Creamy Spinach Pasta Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this luscious Creamy Spinach Pasta Sauce – a rich, velvety blend of fresh spinach, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. This easy-to-make recipe pairs the earthy goodness of sautéed spinach with the indulgence of cream cheese and a hint of nutmeg for a subtle depth of flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick yet elegant way to transform simple pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish. Perfectly customizable and finished with a drizzle of reserved pasta water for that silky texture, this spinach pasta sauce is a comforting and nutrient-packed option for busy evenings. Serve it hot, topped with extra Parmesan, for a family-friendly meal that’s sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 0.5 cup pasta water
Instructions
Start by washing the fresh spinach thoroughly and patting it dry.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the spinach is wilted, transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Add the blended spinach puree, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the cream cheese is fully melted.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Thin the sauce with reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Simmer the sauce over low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Toss the sauce with freshly cooked pasta of your choice, coating it evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1701 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 161.8 g | 207% | |
| Saturated Fat | 91.8 g | 459% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 439 mg | 146% | |
| Sodium | 2897 mg | 126% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.3 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 39.3 g | 79% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1076 mg | 83% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 138 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
