Pasta with Spinach Sauce

Pasta with Spinach Sauce: A Creamy, Flavorful Delight

Craving a hearty yet healthy meal? This Pasta with Spinach Sauce recipe is a fantastic choice that combines the richness of cream cheese and Parmesan with the freshness of spinach, all enveloped in your favorite pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Let’s dive into how you can bring this delightful dish to your table.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, etc.)

For the Spinach Sauce:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely sliced or minced
• 9 oz (250 grams) baby spinach, washed
• ¼ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
• 5 oz (140 grams) cream cheese
• 1 oz (30 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, or ⅓ if freshly grated, according to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Prepare the Spinach Sauce:
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
   • Gradually add the spinach, seasoning with salt as you go. Stir until all the spinach is wilted but still bright green.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Stir in the cream cheese and about 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta water into the skillet. Mix until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
   • Add the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg, stirring well. Adjust the consistency with more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the spinach sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the pasta immediately, drizzled with a little extra virgin olive oil and topped with a sprinkle of black pepper and more freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 2-3

This Pasta with Spinach Sauce is a superb blend of simplicity and flavor, making it a wonderful meal for any occasion. It’s versatile enough to be dressed up or down depending on your mood or the event. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your dinner guests.

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