Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight savior: Pasta with Spinach! This dish delivers everything you crave in a single bowl – twirls of perfectly cooked spaghetti, vibrant bursts of fresh spinach, and a lusciously creamy Parmesan finish. It’s comforting, incredibly quick, and leaves you feeling wholesome and satisfied. Whether you’re looking to feed hungry family members, sneak in some extra greens, or just want pure pasta joy with minimal cleanup, Pasta with Spinach answers every call with a shining green smile.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta with Spinach is proof that a shortlist of ingredients can deliver big flavor. Every item here plays an important role, giving this dish its beautiful color, silky texture, and layered flavor. Just a few pantry staples and fresh greens are all you need!

• Spaghetti or other pasta: The base of this dish! Go classic with spaghetti, or swap in any noodle shape you love.
• Fresh spinach: Choose baby spinach for tenderness and brighter color; it wilts perfectly into the sauce.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the other flavors mingle beautifully.
• Garlic: Just a little brings a world of aroma and depth; slice thinly for a mild hit, or mince for more punch.
• Eggs (optional): Whisked in off the heat, they create a satiny, carbonara-style coating—skip for dairy-free or swap for Greek yogurt or silken tofu.
• Parmesan cheese: For classic Italian savor and creaminess—use freshly grated for best melt.
• Salt: To balance out all the flavors—don’t forget a generous sprinkle for the pasta water!
• Pepper: A final twist of black pepper gives a gentle warmth and lifts the entire dish.

How to Make Pasta with Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti (or favorite pasta shape) and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of that dreamy starchy pasta water before draining—this is liquid gold for building the sauce later!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Wilt the Spinach

While the pasta cooks, grab a spacious skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced or minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for about a minute, just until fragrant and not browned. Toss in the fresh spinach by handfuls, letting it wilt down before adding more, stirring until all the greens are glossy, tender, and a deep emerald color.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce (Eggs Optional)

If you’re craving that luscious, creamy finish, take the skillet off the heat and quickly pour in the whisked eggs, stirring energetically. The eggs should thicken into a silky sauce without scrambling. Prefer a lighter touch? Use Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a creamy, tangy vibe. If skipping eggs altogether, don’t worry—the Parmesan and a splash of pasta water will still give the sauce great body.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Finish with Cheese

Add your cooked (and still warm) pasta right into the skillet with the spinach mixture. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and a good pinch of salt and pepper. If the sauce needs loosening, stir in some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until everything clings just right. Give it all one final toss to combine; those gorgeous green flecks of spinach make this dish a showstopper!

Step 5: Serve Pasta with Spinach Warm

Transfer your finished Pasta with Spinach into big bowls or onto plates while it’s still steaming. The aroma is irresistible, and the colors pop best when served fresh. Now’s the time for a quick taste—adjust seasoning if needed, then dig in!

How to Serve Pasta with Spinach

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over each serving for a nutty kick, or add a pinch of fresh cracked black pepper for zing. A drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil over the top adds shine and even more richness. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil brighten things up beautifully too!

Side Dishes

Pasta with Spinach pairs like a dream with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad, chewy garlic bread, or roasted veggies like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. If you want extra protein, serve it alongside grilled chicken or roasted mushrooms to make it a delightfully hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Pasta with Spinach by twirling individual portions into neat nests, topping each with a soft-poached egg or ribbons of lemon zest. For family-style, serve from a big, shallow platter sprinkled with toasted pine nuts. Kids love cheesy spinach pasta set in little ramekins with a crunchy crumb topping—broil briefly for a golden finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Pasta with Spinach, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep fresh for up to three days. The flavors meld overnight, making leftovers extra tasty the next day!

Freezing

While Pasta with Spinach is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Just know that the spinach may release some moisture and the pasta can become softer after thawing. To freeze, place individual portions in freezer-safe containers, and try to enjoy them within a month for best quality.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Pasta with Spinach gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce. Cover and warm over low heat, stirring often, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving too long, as that can make eggs rubbery or cause the pasta to dry out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thawed and well-drained frozen spinach works as a quick substitute. Just squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding to the pan so your Pasta with Spinach isn’t watery.

What other pasta shapes work in this recipe?

You can use penne, fusilli, linguine, or even small shells. Any pasta that holds onto sauce will be wonderful in Pasta with Spinach. Just be sure to cook it al dente for best results.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Skip the eggs and cheese, and instead toss your pasta with cooked spinach and a creamy blend of silken tofu and nutritional yeast for a vegan version of Pasta with Spinach. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or vegan parmesan for extra flavor!

Can I add more veggies or proteins?

Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers are fantastic add-ins. For protein, consider grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or chickpeas. The basic Pasta with Spinach is super versatile.

Why save pasta water for the sauce?

That reserved pasta water is starchy magic! It helps bring the sauce together and cling to the noodles, especially when combining spinach, cheese, and eggs. Just a splash makes your Pasta with Spinach creamy and glossy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, vibrant, and satisfying meal, you truly can’t go wrong with Pasta with Spinach. It’s the ultimate example of simple ingredients transformed into something deeply nourishing and delicious. Give it a try and let it brighten up your table—and your week!

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