Creamy Spinach and Garlic Pasta with Parmesan
A rich and comforting pasta dish made with sautéed garlic, fresh spinach, and a velvety Parmesan-cream sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (dairy-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs pasta, fresh, chopped spinach, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cups fresh, chopped spinach
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 3: Pour in heavy cream and stir until heated through. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce thickens. Add cooked pasta and 1/4 cup pasta water; toss until sauce coats the pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Spinach and Garlic Pasta with Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Spinach and Garlic Pasta with Parmesan?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Spinach and Garlic Pasta with Parmesan?
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 Spinach and Garlic Pasta with Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Creamy Spinach and Garlic Pasta with Parmesan dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
