Creamy Spinach Pasta

Craving a quick and delicious meal? Discover how to make creamy spinach pasta that's packed with flavor and fresh ingredients! This easy recipe features simple steps and tips to enhance your dish. Whether you want to add protein or customize it for dietary needs, you’ll find everything you need to create your new favorite pasta dish. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your taste buds today!

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Ingredients

12 oz (340g) pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)

4 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Add Spinach: Gradually add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted and tender.

Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, allowing it to warm up. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the creamy spinach sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is reached.

Season: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Serve: Plate the creamy spinach pasta, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow pasta bowls, drizzling a little extra olive oil on top and finishing with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and an extra lemon wedge on the side for a refreshing touch.