Quick & Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spinach Spaghetti (30-Minute Recipe!)
Craving a satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly quick dinner? Look no further than this delightful Spinach Spaghetti recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a rich, creamy, and vibrant pasta dish. Picture tender spaghetti noodles perfectly coated in a luscious garlic and Parmesan sauce, generously infused with beautifully sautéed, buttery spinach. It’s the ultimate weeknight meal that proves healthy and delicious can go hand-in-hand without sacrificing time or taste.
Why This Creamy Spinach Spaghetti Recipe Works Wonders
Getting your daily dose of greens has never been this enjoyable – especially when they’re elegantly entwined with comforting pasta! This spinach spaghetti recipe isn’t just about incorporating vegetables; it’s about creating a symphony of flavors and textures in under half an hour. Its genius lies in its simplicity and the masterful combination of everyday ingredients that elevate it beyond expectation.
The secret to its irresistible flavor profile comes from the harmonious blend of garlic, butter, and shallots, forming a fragrant base that’s impossible to resist. When rich Parmesan cheese is added, it melts into a silky-smooth sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti. But the star of the show, of course, is the spinach. Lightly sautéed in butter and then blitzed into the sauce, it contributes not only a beautiful, vibrant green hue but also a wonderful, subtle texture and an earthy depth that balances the richness of the cheese and aromatics. This isn’t just a pasta dish; it’s a flavorful, colorful, and surprisingly easy culinary experience that will quickly become a family favorite.
RELATED – If you appreciate the wholesome goodness and incredible flavor of spinach in your pasta, you’ll likely adore our Spinach Fettuccine and our bright, herby Pesto Pasta!
Essential Ingredients for Your Spinach Spaghetti
Crafting this quick and flavorful spinach spaghetti requires a handful of accessible ingredients. You’ll find a detailed list with all precise measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post. For now, let’s explore the key components that make this dish so special.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
SPINACH: For the best results and a vibrant, fresh flavor, we highly recommend using fresh, raw spinach for this recipe. While convenient, frozen spinach tends to release too much water, which can dilute the sauce and affect its creamy consistency. If you absolutely must use frozen, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry to remove as much excess moisture as possible before sautéing. Both baby spinach and mature spinach work beautifully here, though they offer slightly different flavor profiles (more on this in the FAQs!).
PASTA: This recipe utilizes cooked spaghetti, so factor in the cooking time for your pasta when preparing your ingredients. The key is to cook your spaghetti to a perfect al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. To prevent your cooked pasta from clumping together while you prepare the sauce, you have a couple of options. After draining, you can quickly rinse it with cool water to halt the cooking process, then return it to a pot or a large bowl of room-temperature water until needed. Alternatively, a light toss with a small amount of olive oil will also keep the strands separate and ready for their creamy coating. Feel free to experiment with other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne or fusilli, for a different textural experience.
GARLIC & SHALLOTS: These aromatics form the foundation of our incredibly flavorful sauce. Minced garlic provides a pungent, savory kick, while shallots offer a milder, sweeter onion flavor that’s less assertive than traditional onions, making them perfect for this delicate sauce. Freshly minced is always best for maximum flavor.
PARMESAN CHEESE: Grated Parmesan cheese is essential for the creamy, salty, umami-rich character of this dish. For the smoothest sauce and best flavor, we recommend using freshly grated Parmesan from a block. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can sometimes lead to a less silky sauce. Pecorino Romano could be a strong, salty alternative if you prefer a sharper cheese.
BUTTER: High-quality butter not only helps sauté our aromatics and spinach but also contributes significantly to the sauce’s luxurious, rich mouthfeel. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, adjusting the added salt in the recipe accordingly.
SEASONINGS: Garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper are the simple yet powerful seasonings that enhance the existing flavors and tie the sauce together. Don’t underestimate their role in building depth.
Crafting Your Creamy Spinach Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to create this delectable recipe. For the printable version, complete with precise measurements and a concise instruction list, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by cooking your spaghetti noodles according to package directions, aiming for an al dente texture. Before draining, make sure to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water – this is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency! Drain the remaining water thoroughly. To prevent the noodles from sticking together while you prepare the sauce, toss them with a teaspoon of olive oil and set them aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and shallots. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, a couple of handfuls at a time. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula as it quickly wilts down. As the spinach reduces in volume, add more until all of it has been incorporated and completely wilted. This gradual addition ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding the pan.
- Season & Finish Wilting: Sprinkle the garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper over the wilted spinach mixture. Stir everything together well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Continue cooking for another minute or two until the spinach is fully wilted and any remaining moisture has evaporated.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Carefully transfer the sautéed spinach mixture from the skillet into a mini food chopper or a blender. Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth, creamy sauce with no large chunks of spinach remaining. You may need to stop halfway through to scrape down the sides of the chopper or blender to ensure everything is evenly processed.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet over low heat. Pour the freshly pureed spinach sauce over the spaghetti. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are thoroughly coated with the vibrant green sauce. Heat just until the dish is warmed through. If the sauce appears too thick or needs to be loosened, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Absolutely! You can certainly use baby spinach in place of regular mature spinach. Since we’ll be blending the spinach into a sauce, the size isn’t a critical factor for the final texture. However, it’s worth noting that baby spinach generally has a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, whereas mature spinach offers a deeper, more robust earthy taste. Both will yield delicious results, so choose the one you prefer or have on hand. Just remember that baby spinach often wilts down more dramatically, so you might need a slightly larger initial volume to achieve the same amount of concentrated spinach flavor in the sauce.
Storing your delicious leftovers is simple! Allow any remaining spinach spaghetti to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an air-tight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water, milk, or even a little more reserved pasta water (if you saved extra) while reheating to help moisten and re-emulsify the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with added protein. Cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced), sautéed shrimp, or even some crispy pan-fried chickpeas would be excellent additions. For a plant-based protein boost, consider adding white beans or lentil-based meatballs. Simply cook your chosen protein separately and then stir it into the pasta and sauce mixture in the final step.
Reserved pasta water is a chef’s secret weapon! As pasta cooks, it releases starches into the water. This starchy water, when added to your sauce, acts as a natural emulsifier, helping the cheese and butter bind together to create a richer, silkier, and more cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. It also helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency without diluting the flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Pasta Dish
This creamy spinach spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few complementary sides. Serve it alongside some warm, crusty bread or garlicky toasted bread – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. For an extra kick, I love adding a few generous shakes of red pepper flakes right before serving. A final sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (or even a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano) not only adds a beautiful visual touch but also enhances the savory depth of the dish. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Explore More Delicious Pasta Recipes
If you’re a pasta enthusiast like us, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic pasta recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Bright and Fresh Asparagus Pasta
- Simple & Irresistible Garlic Butter Pasta
- Homemade Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
- Easy Zucchini Tomato Pasta
I absolutely adore cooking and baking, and my passion is sharing these kitchen adventures with all of you! Remembering to check back for new recipes can be tricky, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a new recipe is published. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes – never miss another delicious dish!
Spinach Spaghetti
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course:
Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine:
American, Italian-Inspired
5
servings
30 minutes
313
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
-
10
ounces
spaghetti noodles
(283g) -
2
Tablespoons
butter -
1
Tablespoon
minced garlic -
½
cup
minced shallots
(about 1 large or 2 medium shallots) -
10
ounces
raw spinach leaves -
½
teaspoon
garlic salt -
1
teaspoon
onion powder -
½
teaspoon
black pepper -
⅓
cup
grated parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
-
red pepper flakes -
shredded parmesan cheese
Things You’ll Need
-
Large deep sided skillet
-
Rubber spatula
-
Mini food chopper or blender
Before You Begin
- After draining your cooked pasta, you can rinse it with cool water to stop the cooking process and then add it back to a pot or large bowl of room-temperature water until you need it. Alternatively, you can toss the cooked pasta with a small amount of olive oil. Either method will keep the pasta from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
- You can use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of garlic salt slightly to taste.
- For an interesting flavor twist, consider adding a handful of fresh basil leaves along with the spinach before blending for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! The starch in the pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, making it extra creamy and ensuring it clings beautifully to the noodles.
Instructions
-
Cook spaghetti noodles to al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water and drain the rest. Optionally toss noodles with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.10 ounces spaghetti noodles
-
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add butter. Once melted, sauté minced garlic and shallots for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.2 Tablespoons butter,
1 Tablespoon minced garlic,
1/2 cup minced shallots -
Add raw spinach leaves to the skillet, a couple of handfuls at a time, stirring with a rubber spatula until all the spinach begins to wilt.10 ounces raw spinach leaves
-
Sprinkle in garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well and continue cooking until the spinach is completely wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated.1/2 teaspoon garlic salt,
1 teaspoon onion powder,
1/2 teaspoon black pepper -
Remove the spinach mixture from the skillet and place it in a mini food chopper or blender. Add grated parmesan cheese and blend until completely smooth with no large chunks, scraping down the sides once halfway through.1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
-
Return the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet over low heat. Add the pureed spinach mixture. Toss gently until the spaghetti is well coated and warmed through. Use small amounts of the reserved pasta water only if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store any cooled leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a dash of water or milk if needed to help moisten and loosen the sauce.
- For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan, and plant-based butter or olive oil can replace regular butter. You might also need a splash of unsweetened plant milk to achieve the desired creaminess.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning! Depending on the saltiness of your butter and Parmesan, you might need a little more or less garlic salt and black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
1
serving (approx. 2 oz cooked noodles with sauce)
|
Calories:
313
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
50
g
|
Protein:
12
g
|
Fat:
8
g
|
Saturated Fat:
4
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
2
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.2
g
|
Cholesterol:
18
mg
|
Sodium:
437
mg
|
Potassium:
549
mg
|
Fiber:
4
g
|
Sugar:
4
g
|
Vitamin A:
5516
IU
|
Vitamin C:
18
mg
|
Calcium:
143
mg
|
Iron:
3
mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.