Quick and Creamy Spinach Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
438 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Quick and Creamy Spinach Pasta
Description
This Quick and Creamy Spinach Pasta recipe combines common pantry staples and frozen spinach to create a satisfying dinner. The pasta type can be penne, bow ties, or rotini, which capture the creamy sauce well. Sautéing onions and garlic in butter forms the aromatic base, then cream cheese is melted gently before chicken broth is added to loosen the sauce and allow it to simmer with spinach. The final addition of Parmesan cheese contributes a nutty, salty note that ties the flavors together.
The texture of the dish is smooth and creamy from the sauce, with the spinach adding slight earthiness and color. Pasta is cooked al dente so it holds its shape without becoming mushy when tossed in the sauce. The overall flavor is mild, comforting, and balanced between the dairy richness and the spinach's freshness.
This pasta makes a practical weeknight meal that can be paired with a simple salad or garlic bread. It also works well as a vegetarian main dish or a side to grilled meats. The techniques used allow flexibility to swap fresh spinach for frozen or vary pasta shapes according to availability.
To maximize flavor, salting the pasta water properly ensures the pasta itself is seasoned. For a smoother sauce, melt the cream cheese thoroughly before adding broth, and draining excess water from thawed spinach prevents watering down the sauce. Avoid rinsing the pasta after cooking so the sauce adheres better when combined.
Ingredients
- ½ pound pasta penne, bow ties, or rotini, medium size
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 10 ounces spinach thawed and squeezed dry, frozen, chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook al dente (firm) according to package directions.
- While pasta is boiling, cook onion in butter over medium heat until tender. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant.
- Add cream cheese to the pan and whisk until melted and smooth. Add chicken broth a little bit at a time and add spinach. Simmer 3-4 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Stir in pasta simmer 1 minute more. Stir in parmesan cheese, season with salt & pepper to taste and serve.
Notes
- Salt the pasta water well for enhanced flavor in the pasta itself.
- If using fresh spinach instead of frozen, cook about 1 pound until wilted and cool slightly, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding to sauce.
- Melt the cream cheese fully before adding chicken broth to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Do not rinse cooked pasta to help the sauce cling better.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 438 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1.5cups | |
| Calories | 438 | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 613mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 497mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 8966IU | 179% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 290mg | 29% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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