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Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

This creamy spinach pasta recipe combines tender ziti with a rich, cheesy sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any day of the week.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Seasonings

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup half and half (half milk/half cream)
  • 3 teaspoons lemon juice
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated from a block
  • 1 ½ cups fresh spinach

Pasta

  • ½ pound ziti rigati (penne can be substituted)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Begin by heating salted water in a large pot for the pasta. While waiting for the water to boil, measure out all the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process, as this recipe moves quickly once started.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the ziti rigati pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente to avoid overcooking. When done, drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Start the Sauce: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the salted butter. Let it heat for about 2 minutes until it begins to foam and develop a slightly brown, nutty aroma. Stir the butter occasionally to prevent burning.
  4. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and continue to heat gently, allowing the garlic to infuse the butter without burning.
  5. Make a Roux: Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, until it deepens to a darker brown and the raw flour smell disappears, about 2 minutes. This forms the base of the sauce thickening.
  6. Incorporate Liquids: Gradually add the chicken broth in small splashes, stirring continuously to blend smoothly without lumps. Then slowly pour in the half and half, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce.
  7. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
  8. Add Cheese and Spinach: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Add the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted.
  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat all the pasta with the creamy spinach sauce. The sauce will thicken more as it stands slightly before serving.
  10. Serve: Serve hot, ideally paired with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete comfort meal.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest melting.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up best in the creamy sauce.
  • Adjust the amount of spinach to your preference; baby spinach works wonderfully for quick wilting.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture, as the sauce thickens upon standing.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Halal

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/creamy-spinach-pasta-recipe/