Creamy Spinach Pasta
There are few things as comforting and satisfying as a big bowl of creamy spinach pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something quick, cozy, and full of flavor, all without needing a trip to the store for a million ingredients.
This dish has been our go-to whenever we need a dinner that feels a little special without requiring too much work. It comes together in under 30 minutes, but the rich, creamy sauce and garlicky spinach make it feel like a meal from your favorite Italian restaurant.
If you’re looking for more easy pasta recipes, you’ll also love our Baked Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, Creamy Mushroom Pasta, or this Tomato Butter Pasta.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and fuss-free: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Creamy without being heavy: The mix of cream (or milk), broth, and fresh lemon juice keeps things rich but balanced.
- Sneaky way to eat more greens: A full pound of spinach melts into the sauce, making it both delicious and nutritious.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this cheesy, comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
This pasta keeps it simple but flavorful. The magic is in the sauce: a roux made with butter and flour creates the perfect base, while garlic, oregano, and parsley bring in that Italian-inspired aroma. A splash of broth adds depth, and the heavy cream (or whole milk) gives it the creamy texture we love. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty bite, and lemon juice brightens everything up. And of course, there’s spinach that wilts into silky ribbons in the sauce.
Variations
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
- Try a different green: Kale or Swiss chard would also work well in place of spinach.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use gluten-free pasta: Just swap the noodles and flour to keep it GF-friendly.
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a large pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Add garlic, then pour in cream and broth, whisking until smooth. Stir in herbs and spices.
- Gradually fold in the spinach until wilted. Add parmesan and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and coat evenly with the sauce.
Expert Tips
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Don’t rush the roux, letting the flour cook for a few seconds helps remove that raw taste.
- Add the spinach in batches to keep the pan manageable.
- A squeeze of extra lemon juice on top just before serving makes the dish pop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Yes! Just thaw it first and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding to the sauce.
You can try using plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese, just know the flavor and texture might change slightly.
Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, which can dry it out.
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📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Creamy Spinach Pasta
Equipment
- large skillet
- large pot
Ingredients
- ½ pound pasta
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup broth chicken or vegetable
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces fresh spinach
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Boil and drain the pasta according to the directions on the package and set it aside.
- In a large saute pan, melt the butter over low/medium heat. When it’s fully melted add in the flour and whisk to combine and let the flour cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add in the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds.
- Whisk in the cream and broth and bring to a simmer. Add in the garlic powder, oregano, parsley and pepper and whisk to combine.
- Start by adding handfuls of spinach into the sauce, using a spatula to fold the spinach into the sauce as it wilts. Continue until all the spinach is added.
- Add in the parmesan cheese and lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Stir in the cooked pasta until it’s fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve with extra lemon slices, extra parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
This was so good! I’m a total carnivore, so I added ground Italian sausage. We loved it.
This was so easy and so good. That’s the perfect combo for a mom like me!
Such a cozy dinner idea! The lemony cream sauce and garlicky spinach sound like the perfect balance. This is easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough to feel special. Love it!