How to Make Creamy Pasta with Spinach Sauce

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that your whole family will love? You’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing a simple yet mouthwatering recipe for creamy pasta with spinach sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without the fuss, this dish is a winner. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the spinach and has that indulgent creamy sauce we all crave. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for quick family dinners
• Uses just a few ingredients, making it one of the easiest pasta recipes you’ll ever try
• Packed with spinach for a nutritious twist
• Creamy, garlicky sauce that everyone will love
• Can be made ahead for meal prep
• Customizable—add your favorite protein or veggies

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious creamy garlic pasta with spinach sauce:

• 8oz (225 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
• 2-3 garlic cloves, finely sliced or minced
• 9oz (250 grams) baby spinach, washed
• ¼ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
• 5oz (140 grams) cream cheese
• 1oz (30 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, or ⅓ of freshly grated nutmeg, or according to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to make this easy pasta recipe:

1. Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
   Cook your pasta until al dente following the package directions. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and set aside. This starchy water is magic for creating a smooth sauce!
2. Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
   Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Cook the Garlic
   Add garlic and cook for about 1 or 2 minutes until fragrant. Make sure not to burn it—we want that sweet, nutty flavor!
4. Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
   Add part of the spinach and season with salt. Stir until wilted, adding handfuls of spinach at a time. When the spinach is wilted but still bright green, you’re ready for the next step.
5. Step 5: Make the Sauce
   Stir in cream cheese and 1/3 cup of pasta cooking water. Don’t add all the reserved water straight away—save the rest in case you need to loosen the sauce when you add the pasta to the skillet.
6. Step 6: Add Parmesan and Nutmeg
   Then add grated parmesan cheese and nutmeg to the sauce and give it a good stir. The sauce will be ready in a couple of minutes.
7. Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Drain pasta, add it to the skillet, and toss to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water.
8. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
   Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to make this recipe even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic can go from perfectly fragrant to burnt in seconds, so keep an eye on it while it’s cooking.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
• Add a Protein: Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta to make this a heartier meal.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water from cooking your pasta is key to creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Customize to Taste: If you prefer a lighter sauce, add more pasta water. If you like it thicker, use less.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving your creamy garlic pasta with spinach sauce:

• Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for a touch of elegance
• Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Add a pinch of black pepper
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how to make ahead and store this recipe:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, cook your pasta and combine everything.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: While the sauce can be frozen, the pasta is best cooked fresh. Freeze the sauce for up to 3 months and thaw when needed.

And there you have it—a delicious, easy pasta recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you need a quick meal. If you’re looking for more quick family dinners, be sure to check out my Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe—it’s another crowd-pleaser that’s ready in no time!

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media. I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own!