Creamy Egg and Spinach Stovetop Pasta
A quick and simple pasta recipe with soft scrambled eggs and fresh spinach, perfect for a nourishing kid-friendly lunch or dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs penne pasta, fresh spinach leaves, large eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy. Add 2 cups fresh spinach leaves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted and fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour the egg mixture into the skillet with spinach and gently scramble over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until just set but still creamy.
- Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1 minute until pasta is coated and cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Egg and Spinach Stovetop Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Egg and Spinach Stovetop Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Egg and Spinach Stovetop Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Egg and Spinach Stovetop Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Creamy Egg and Spinach Stovetop Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
