. First, you need to boil the fettuccine. Follow the package instructions carefully. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander. Make sure to save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water. You’ll need it later to adjust the sauce. Next, let’s make the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not browned. Then, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well to mix with the garlic. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Now, it's time to add some greens! Toss in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach. Stir it in and let it wilt into the creamy sauce for another 2-3 minutes. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is nice and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, use that reserved pasta water to loosen it up until it’s just right. Serve your creamy garlic pasta right away, garnished with fresh basil leaves if you like. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Enjoy! To get that perfect creamy sauce, use reserved pasta water. After cooking your fettuccine, save about half a cup. If your sauce is too thick, add a little water. This helps achieve a smooth texture. Choosing the right cheese also matters. I recommend Parmesan cheese for its rich flavor. It melts well and adds a salty kick. Other good options include Pecorino Romano or even a creamy mozzarella. Garlic is key for flavor. Use fresh minced garlic for a stronger taste. Cook it until it's fragrant but not browned. Burned garlic can taste bitter. When it comes to herbs, fresh is best. They add more flavor to your dish. If you use dried herbs, use less, as they are stronger. A pinch of dried basil or oregano can work well too. Garnish your pasta with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Lay them on top right before serving. It makes your dish look fancy and bright. For serving, pair this pasta with a simple salad or garlic bread. A light white wine can complement the meal nicely. Enjoy the mix of flavors and the beautiful presentation! {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to this dish. Chicken or shrimp works great. For chicken, cook bite-sized pieces in the skillet before adding the garlic. For shrimp, toss them in right after the garlic. Both will add flavor and make it more filling. If you want a vegetarian option, try adding beans or lentils. They add great texture and protein without meat. For a vegan twist, use tofu or chickpeas. Just make sure to swap the heavy cream for a plant-based option. Switching up the pasta can change the dish. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and a nutty taste. Gluten-free pasta is a good choice for those with dietary needs. Both options will still work well with the creamy sauce. Other pasta shapes can also be fun. Try penne or rotini. They hold the sauce well and make each bite delicious. You can even use spaghetti for a classic look. Don’t be afraid to play with flavors. Different cheeses can make a big difference. Try adding goat cheese for tanginess or mozzarella for a milder taste. Incorporating seasonal vegetables is another great way to change this dish. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can add color and nutrients. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream. This keeps everything fresh and exciting. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. To keep your creamy garlic pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. The pasta will last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you add spinach, it might lose some crispness, but the flavor will still be great. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst for even heating. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. This helps avoid a dried-out sauce. Always stir gently as you heat. Yes, you can freeze creamy garlic pasta with spinach! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if needed. To make creamy garlic sauce, you'll need just a few basic ingredients: - Olive oil - Garlic - Heavy cream - Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper Start by heating olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then, pour in heavy cream and let it simmer. Mix in Parmesan cheese until it melts, and season with salt and pepper. This simple method gives you a rich sauce full of flavor. Yes! Adding more vegetables makes the dish even better. Here are some great options: - Cherry tomatoes - Peas - Mushrooms - Broccoli florets These vegetables not only add color but also enhance the taste and nutrition of your creamy garlic pasta. Serve creamy garlic pasta in generous portions. A serving size is about one cup per person. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread. These sides balance the richness of the pasta and create a complete meal. To make a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the creamy texture while catering to dairy-free diets. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook the pasta and sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. When you're ready to eat, just reheat and enjoy. This dish lasts about three days in the fridge, making it great for quick meals. You can check the Full Recipe for more details. This blog post covers a simple and tasty creamy garlic pasta recipe. We started with the key ingredients like fettuccine, garlic, and cream. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and making the sauce. Tips helped to perfect the flavor and presentation. In conclusion, this dish is easy to customize. You can add protein, swap pasta, or try new cheeses. Enjoy experimenting with it, and remember, cooking should be fun. With these tips, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love.](https://mydishspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/424b5fc6-095a-48bb-b3d6-f5de24b4a443-250x250.webp)
Creamy Garlic Pasta with Spinach
Indulge in a deliciously creamy garlic pasta with spinach that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! This easy recipe combines fettuccine pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy garlic sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese for unbeatable flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a meal everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta game tonight! Enjoy every bite!