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Quick Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach

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A fast and comforting creamy garlic parmesan pasta with fresh spinach, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines simple pantry staples with a rich, silky sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 3 cups packed fresh spinach (about 90 grams), roughly chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, a pinch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  3. Lower the heat and stir in 4 ounces (115 grams) of softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in 1 cup (240 ml) milk, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  4. Stir in 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is silky. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Keep the heat low to prevent cheese from clumping.
  5. Add 3 cups chopped fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, coating every strand with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top.

Notes

Cook garlic gently on medium-low heat to avoid bitterness. Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and creaminess. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to pasta. Add spinach last to keep its vibrant color and texture. If sauce thickens too much, stir in reserved pasta water or milk before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pasta, creamy garlic parmesan, spinach pasta, easy dinner, 15-minute recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/quick-creamy-garlic-parmesan-pasta-with-spinach-easy-15-minute-recipe/