Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender fettuccine pasta tossed in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce, complemented by fresh spinach and a hint of lemon for brightness. This easy-to-make pasta is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a cozy meal.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
sauce & flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
vegetables & garnish
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to brown it.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt in the creamy sauce for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired creaminess.
- Season: Squeeze the lemon juice over the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is important as it helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
- To keep the spinach vibrant, add it at the end and wilt just until softened.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Spinach pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, creamy pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta dish