why make this recipe
One-Pot Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to make, requires minimal cleanup, and is filled with delicious flavors. The combination of garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan creates a rich and satisfying sauce. Plus, the fresh spinach adds a touch of color and nutrition, making this dish a family favorite.
how to make One-Pot Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 1 lb (16 oz / 450g) long pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted
- Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
- Broth: 4 cups (32 oz / 950ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Milk: 1 cup (8 oz / 240ml) whole milk or half-and-half
- Cream Cheese: 4 oz (113g), full-fat, softened and cut into cubes
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated, plus more for serving
- Fresh Spinach: 5-6 oz (about 5-6 large handfuls), fresh baby spinach
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste
Directions:
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In a large Dutch oven or deep, wide pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 60-90 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn.
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Pour the chicken or vegetable broth and the milk into the pot. Stir to combine with the garlic butter. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
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Add the dry pasta to the pot. You may need to break the pasta in half to fit, although leaving it whole is ideal if it fits. Submerge the pasta into the liquid as much as possible. Cook for about 9-12 minutes, or according to the package directions for al dente, stirring frequently with tongs.
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Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheeses have completely melted and made the sauce smooth and creamy.
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Fold the fresh baby spinach into the pot in large handfuls. The heat will wilt the spinach perfectly in just 1-2 minutes.
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Turn off the heat. Taste the pasta and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
how to serve One-Pot Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta
Serve the pasta hot, right from the pot. You can add some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. It’s a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy!
how to store One-Pot Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and warm it on the stove or microwave.
tips to make One-Pot Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta
- Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks to prevent sticking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding some cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
variation
You can swap out the spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more variety.
FAQs
Can I use whole grain or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use whole grain or gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary from regular pasta.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by using vegan butter, plant-based cream cheese, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, you can make this recipe vegan-friendly.