The Creamiest Spinach Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Twirl Your Fork In

Crafting a delectable spinach pasta dish brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Leafy greens blend seamlessly with rich, velvety sauce in this simple creation.

Creamy textures invite you to savor each delightful bite.

Pasta lovers will adore this quick and satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

Nutritious spinach adds vibrant color and essential nutrients to every forkful.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this uncomplicated yet impressive dinner option.

Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful culinary adventure.

Why Creamy Spinach Pasta Is So Comforting

• Craft a Zesty Meal: Packed with bright lemon and parmesan, this pasta brings a refreshing twist to your dinner routine that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: From boiling pasta to mixing sauce, you can prepare this delightful dish in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous meals.
• Veggie Power Boost: Loaded with nutritious spinach and optional peas, this recipe sneaks in extra vegetables that both kids and adults will enjoy without feeling like they're eating a health food.
• Picnic-Perfect Performer: Versatile enough to serve hot or cold, this pasta travels beautifully and makes an amazing packed lunch or outdoor meal companion that keeps well in containers.

Ingredients List For Creamy Spinach Pasta

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that serves as the base of this creamy dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, nutritious green element to the pasta.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, citrusy tang to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor and additional creaminess.
• Garlic: Provides a classic aromatic depth to the sauce.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Helps to season and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Peas: Adds a sweet, tender component to the pasta.
• Chili (Optional): Introduces a optional spicy kick to the dish.

How To Make Creamy Spinach Pasta Fast

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large saucepan with water and add salt. Bring water to a rolling boil.

Gently drop pasta into the boiling water and cook until it reaches al dente texture.

Step 2: Create Dreamy Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

During the pasta’s final minute of cooking, briefly blanch the spinach in the same boiling water.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain pasta and toss with a light drizzle of olive oil. Allow pasta to cool slightly.

Gently fold the ricotta-lemon sauce into the pasta, ensuring even coating.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Vegetables

• Spinach
• Peas
• Optional chili flakes

Stir ingredients carefully to distribute evenly throughout the pasta.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Drizzling additional olive oil
• Sprinkling cracked black pepper
• Topping with delicate parmesan shavings

Serve immediately or pack for a delightful picnic meal.

Tips That Work For Creamy Spinach Pasta

• Blanch spinach quickly to retain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, maintaining a fresh, crisp texture.
• Choose fresh, high-quality ricotta for a smoother, creamier sauce that blends seamlessly with pasta.
• Adjust lemon zest and juice to taste, balancing the tangy brightness without overpowering the dish's delicate flavors.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Reserve some pasta water to help thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a silky, cohesive coating.

Tasty Ideas For Creamy Spinach Pasta

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace lemon with fresh oregano, mint, and thyme, adding chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp to enhance the protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Veggie Lover's Edition: Mix in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and artichoke hearts for extra vegetable variety and nutritional depth.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add jalapeños, cumin, and cilantro, then top with crumbled queso fresco for a zesty, Mexican-inspired variation.

What To Pair With Creamy Spinach Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, tangy sauce and cut through the richness.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creaminess and add a peppery, refreshing contrast.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp on the side to introduce lean protein and enhance the meal's nutritional profile without overwhelming the delicate pasta flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Include a slice of rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural element to the dining experience.

How To Keep Creamy Spinach Pasta Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a little milk or water to prevent drying. Stop heating once pasta reaches desired temperature.

Creamy Spinach Pasta FAQ Guide

• Is ricotta cheese necessary for this recipe?

Ricotta provides the creamy base for the sauce, giving the pasta a rich, smooth texture. If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.

• How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?

Whisk the ricotta thoroughly and let it sit at room temperature before mixing. Use a hand blender or vigorous whisking to create a smooth consistency.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is already vegetarian. It contains no meat and can be easily adapted with plant-based cheese alternatives if desired.

• What makes the lemon zest important in this recipe?

Lemon zest adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and vibrant sauce that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Spinach pasta delivers a silky, luxurious Italian-inspired comfort meal packed with green goodness and rich parmesan flavor. Creamy textures and herb-infused notes invite you to savor each delightful forkful of this easy weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) pasta (penne, fusilli, or orecchiette), cooked al dente
• 125–150 grams (4.4–5.3 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 20 grams (0.7 ounces) baby spinach or rocket
• 30 grams (1 ounce) peas

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 30–50 grams (1–1.8 ounces) parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dried chili flakes or fresh red chili, finely diced (optional)

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• Zest and juice of 1.5 lemons

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Instructions

1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a vigorous boil, preparing to cook the pasta until it reaches a tender al dente texture.
2. Simultaneously, craft a velvety sauce by whisking ricotta, parmesan, zesty lemon zest and juice, fragrant olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until uniformly blended.
3. During the pasta’s final cooking minute, quickly blanch the spinach in the same boiling water to preserve its vibrant green color and nutrients.
4. Carefully drain the pasta, then gently toss with a light drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and allow slight cooling.
5. Fold the creamy ricotta-lemon sauce into the pasta, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated with the aromatic mixture.
6. Incorporate the blanched spinach and peas, adding a hint of chili for those desiring an extra kick of heat.
7. Transfer to serving dishes, finishing with a delicate drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and elegant parmesan shavings as a crowning touch.

Notes

• Blanch spinach quickly to retain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, which can make it lose nutrients and turn mushy.
• Use fresh ricotta for a smoother, creamier sauce that blends more easily and provides a richer flavor profile.
• Customize the dish by adding protein like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a more substantial meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative for a lighter, diet-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 30mg