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- 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne recommended) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 5 oz (140 g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - Pinch of nutmeg (optional) - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this creamy spinach pasta. Start with the pasta; I love using fettuccine or penne for this dish. They hold sauce well and offer a great bite. Next, olive oil adds richness and helps cook the garlic. Fresh garlic brings out the best flavor. You will need three cloves, minced finely. Spinach is the star ingredient here. Use five ounces of fresh spinach, washed and chopped to add a vibrant color and nutrition. Heavy cream is what makes this sauce creamy and luxurious. You will need one cup for that silky texture. Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful salty depth. Get about half a cup, grated fresh for the best flavor. Lemon zest brightens the dish with a fresh taste. Add just one teaspoon to lift the flavors. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season your pasta. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth, and red pepper flakes give it a kick if you like some heat. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. For a detailed cooking guide, refer to the full recipe above. - Step 1: Cook the pasta Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of your favorite pasta. Cook until it's al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Save ½ cup of the pasta water for later. - Step 2: Sauté garlic in olive oil In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great but not burn. - Step 3: Add spinach and cook down Toss in 5 oz of chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. This adds a nice color and flavor to your dish. - Step 4: Add heavy cream and Parmesan Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and mixes well. This makes the sauce rich and creamy. - Step 5: Season and mix in lemon zest and spices Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir well to blend all the flavors. - Step 6: Combine pasta with the sauce Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Now your creamy spinach pasta is ready to enjoy! For a detailed cooking guide, refer to the full recipe above. To get the best texture, always use al dente pasta. This means the pasta should be firm when you bite into it. If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This water is starchy and helps blend everything nicely. Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best taste. Pre-grated cheese often lacks flavor. You can also add extra seasonings. Italian herbs bring out the dish’s warmth. A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and balance. {{image_2}} You can make this creamy spinach pasta fit your diet easily. For a vegan version, replace heavy cream with cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese for a rich taste without dairy. If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Both choices keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Feel free to add protein to your meal. Grilled chicken or shrimp makes it heartier. You can also mix in more vegetables to boost flavor and nutrition. Consider adding mushrooms for an earthy taste or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Each addition creates a unique dish that you will love. After you enjoy your creamy spinach pasta, store any leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. This dish will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label your container with the date. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Stir it gently over low heat until warm. If you prefer the microwave, cover the pasta. This will help prevent it from drying out. Heat for short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Enjoy your meal! To make a creamy sauce, start with garlic in olive oil. Cook it until soft. Then, add heavy cream. Stir until it thickens. Mix in Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Yes, you can! Use whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce. For a vegan option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Each substitute changes the flavor, so taste as you go. Fettuccine and penne are great choices. Fettuccine holds the sauce well, while penne gets sauce inside. Both options create a tasty meal. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. Add red pepper flakes for a kick! Mix in some diced fresh chili peppers for more heat. Adjust the amount to your taste. This adds a fun twist to your creamy spinach pasta. - For a detailed cooking guide, refer to the full recipe above. This blog post shared a simple creamy spinach pasta recipe. You learned about the ingredients, steps, and how to store leftovers. Remember to use fresh toppings and spices to enhance flavors. Feel free to try variations for dietary needs or add your favorite proteins. This dish is easy and tasty, making it perfect for any meal. Enjoy your cooking journey and serve this delightful pasta to impress anyone at your table!

Creamy Spinach Pasta

Indulge in this creamy spinach pasta that's both simple and delicious! With fresh ingredients like garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a quick meal perfect for any night of the week. Topped with a hint of lemon zest and fresh basil, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready to create a comforting dish that everyone will love? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta game!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne recommended)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

5 oz (140 g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and pepper to taste

Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking