This easy pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but fast to prepare. If you enjoyed my cream cheese pasta or white bean pasta, you’ll love this creamy spinach sauce that’s packed with nutrient-rich leafy greens.
Why This Recipe Works
While the pasta cooks, you simply sauté fresh spinach with fragrant garlic in olive oil. Don’t be intimidated by the large amount of spinach—it quickly wilts down to a manageable portion in just minutes.
How to Make It
Once the spinach is wilted, stir in cream cheese, freshly grated Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg, which adds a warm, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the spinach and cheese. Toss the pasta into the sauce, season with black pepper and extra Parmesan, and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, etc.)
- Baby spinach
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Nutmeg (freshly grated or ground)
- Salt and black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add spinach in batches, seasoning with salt, and cook until wilted but still bright green.
- Stir in cream cheese and about ⅓ cup of reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg, stirring until combined.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper.
Tips and Variations
- Use a wide skillet to help spinach wilt evenly.
- The sauce relies on cream cheese and pasta water for creaminess instead of heavy cream, keeping it lighter.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan—it’s essential for the best flavor.
- Add-ins: raw cherry tomatoes, peas, grilled veggies, or proteins like grilled chicken, bacon, or shrimp. For seafood options, skip the nutmeg.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.