Description
This creamy spinach pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich Parmesan and cream sauce, enhanced with garlic, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Vegetables
- 1 ½ cups spinach
Pasta
- ½ pound ziti rigati (or penne)
Instructions
- Prep Work: Heat salted water in a large pot for the pasta. While waiting for it to boil, measure out all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process, as this recipe moves quickly.
- Cook Pasta: Once the water boils, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Avoid overcooking. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Start Sauce – Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and let it heat for about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue heating until the butter begins to foam and slightly brown, swirling the pan occasionally to prevent burning.
- Create Roux: Increase heat to medium and whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture until it reaches a darker brown color and the raw flour smell disappears, about 2 minutes, forming a roux.
- Add Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth in splashes while stirring continuously to smoothly incorporate it into the roux without lumps.
- Incorporate Half and Half: Gradually stir in the half and half to the sauce to add creaminess and richness.
- Season the Sauce: Add dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Then add the spinach, letting it wilt gently in the warm sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce, ensuring the pasta is fully coated. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by Garlic Bread with Cheese for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
- Do not overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- The sauce thickens as it cools; if it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth before serving.
- Additional vegetables such as mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes can be added for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy spinach pasta, spinach pasta recipe, easy pasta sauce, Parmesan spinach pasta, quick dinner pasta
