Spinach Alfredo Pasta
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
676 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Others
Spinach Alfredo Pasta
Description
Spinach Alfredo Pasta begins with cooking penne pasta until al dente, ensuring a firm but tender bite. The sauce is prepared in a skillet, starting with sautéed garlic in butter to impart flavor without browning. Milk and cream cheese are combined carefully over low heat until the cream cheese melts, then Parmesan cheese is whisked in to thicken the sauce gently. Fresh baby spinach is stirred in last, allowing it to wilt without losing its vibrant color or fresh texture. The cooked pasta is then added to the sauce, allowing each piece to be thoroughly coated in the creamy mixture. This pasta highlights the balance between the tanginess of cream cheese and the depth of Parmesan, enhanced by the mild garlic and fresh spinach. It serves well as a standalone main dish for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. penne pasta $0.74
- 2 Tbsp butter $0.27
- 2 cloves garlic $0.16, minced
- 2 cups milk $0.62, whole
- 6 oz. cream cheese $1.50
- 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese $1.23, grated
- 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
- black pepper $0.05, freshly cracked
- 4 cups baby spinach $1.33
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil to cook the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Add the butter and minced garlic to a deep skillet or pot and sauté over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or just until the garlic is soft and fragrant, but not brown.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the milk to the skillet along with the cream cheese (cut into chunks). Heat the milk and cream cheese while whisking, until the cream cheese has fully melted into the milk.
- Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to whisk as the sauce comes up to a gentle simmer. When it reaches a simmer, the sauce will thicken. Turn the heat down to low to keep the sauce warm. Season the sauce with 1/4 tsp salt and a generous amount of freshly cracked pepper.
- Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir it in until it has wilted and become limp.
- Finally, add the cooked and drained pasta to the spinach alfredo sauce and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 676 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving | |
| Calories | 676kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 75g | 25% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Sodium | 727mg | 30% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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