Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, draped in a luxuriously creamy spinach sauce that's both indulgent and secretly nutritious. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary magic trick that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can create right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a quick gourmet meal, this Creamy Spinach Spaghetti will become your new go-to recipe that proves elegant dining doesn't have to be complicated.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and roughly chop them.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let the cream slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach to the cream sauce and stir until the spinach wilts and becomes tender, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls. Optional: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Tips
- Always reserve pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Use fresh garlic and mince it finely to maximize flavor without burning.
- Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent separation and ensure a smooth sauce.
- For extra richness, consider using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese.
- Don't overcook the spinach - it should just wilt to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would complement this dish beautifully.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 95mg
