Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta

Name: Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta of your choice; 2 cups fresh spinach; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love this Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta recipe! It's one of those comforting dishes that brings warmth and joy to the table. With its creamy texture and vibrant spinach, it's not just delicious but also a nutrient-packed meal. I often whip this up when I'm short on time yet want something satisfying and flavorful. The combination of garlic and spinach paired with a rich sauce creates a symphony of flavors that makes this dish simply irresistible. You'll want to keep it in your regular meal rotation!

Created by

Cleo Winter

Last updated on 2026-01-19T21:21:34.268Z

When experimenting with pasta recipes, I found that the key to a creamy sauce is using a good blend of cheese and cream. I love incorporating sautéed garlic and fresh spinach for added flavor and nutrition. This dish not only satisfies my cravings but also feels wholesome! One tip I discovered is to use a bit of the pasta cooking water to help the sauce bind perfectly.

Recently, I made this pasta for a small gathering, and it was a hit! Everyone commented on the rich taste and the creamy consistency. Honestly, I’ve made it multiple times since then, tweaking little things like adding a sprinkle of nutmeg for warmth—each time it’s just as delightful. It’s truly a recipe that grows with you!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy sauce that envelops every bite.
Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition.
Quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.

      

Choosing the Right Pasta

When it comes to pasta for this Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta, I recommend using something like fettuccine or penne. These shapes hold onto sauce exceptionally well, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Each pasta type has its unique cooking time, so be sure to check the package instructions. You want your pasta to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it when you taste it.

Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit even after being drained. To make sure I achieve that perfect al dente texture, I usually subtract a minute or two from the recommended cooking time and taste the pasta just before draining.

Enhancing Flavor with Garlic

Garlic is a star ingredient in this dish, adding a nuanced depth of flavor. Mince the garlic finely so that it releases its oils and aroma quickly upon heating, but be careful not to burn it as that can lead to a bitter taste. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 1 minute, which will enhance the overall dish without overwhelming the creamy sauce.

If you're a garlic lover like me, consider using roasted garlic for an even sweeter, more complex flavor. Just roast a whole bulb in the oven until golden and soft, then mash it into the cream sauce when you add the Parmesan.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can certainly make it ahead of time. Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine them just before serving. Store each component in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat and bring the pasta back to life with a splash of pasta water for a creamy consistency.

Freezing is also an option, but the cream sauce may change texture. If you plan to freeze it, omit the cheese before freezing, then reheat the sauce and stir in freshly grated Parmesan just before serving. This will help maintain a smoother consistency and prevent separation.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a deliciously creamy pasta dish that everyone will adore!

Ingredients

8 oz pasta of your choice
2 cups fresh spinach
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the cream sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

It's time to dig in!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta. You can also substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce without compromising creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

For a beautiful presentation, serve this pasta in shallow bowls and top each serving with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also elevate the dish, adding a touch of richness and shine.

Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. The acidity from the dressing will complement the flavors in the pasta, creating a well-rounded meal.

Variations and Swaps

If you're looking to customize this dish, consider adding cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra protein. Alternatively, you can incorporate other vegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes to add complexity and color.

For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich, so adjust seasoning and cheese accordingly.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your sauce is too thick, don't hesitate to add additional reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. This will also help the sauce adhere better to the pasta, enhancing its creamy texture.

Should the sauce become too thin, you can thicken it by adding a bit more Parmesan cheese or cooking it down on low heat until it reduces. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, stirring constantly until it reaches the right density.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream and cheese are gluten-free as well.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the sauce.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly.