Creamy Spinach & Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Velvety pasta sauce made with hidden spinach and cauliflower—no one will guess it’s packed with nutrients, just pure comfort in every bite. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 40 minutes pairs Cauliflower florets, Fresh spinach, Penne pasta for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Steam 1.5 cups cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 10 minutes until very tender; let cool slightly then blend with 2 cups packed fresh spinach until smooth, adding 1/4 cup water as needed to help blend.
  2. Step 2: Cook 12 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 10 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and the cauliflower-spinach puree, then bring to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted, then stir in the drained penne and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until sauce coats the pasta evenly; season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Spinach & Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 & Cauliflower Alfredo 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 cauliflower florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Spinach & Cauliflower Alfredo 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 Spinach & Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta 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.

What goes well with Creamy Spinach & Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta?

Italian kid friendly 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.

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