Description
This creamy spinach pasta recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce infused with garlic and herbs, tender spinach, and perfectly cooked ziti pasta, it comes together in just 30 minutes for a satisfying and comforting dish that serves four.
Ingredients
Dry Herbs and Spices
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients and Dairy
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 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
Produce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups spinach
Pasta
- ½ pound ziti rigati (penne works well too)
Other
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prep Work: Begin by heating salted water in a large pot to cook the pasta. Measure out all ingredients beforehand as the recipe progresses quickly once you start cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the ziti pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Start the Sauce – Melt Butter and Cook Garlic: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter for about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue heating the butter until it foams and begins to brown slightly, swirling the pan occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add Flour to Make a Roux: Increase heat to medium and whisk in the flour. Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a darker brown and the raw flour smell disappears.
- Add Chicken Broth Slowly: Gradually pour the chicken broth into the skillet in small splashes, stirring continuously to evenly incorporate and prevent lumps.
- Incorporate Half and Half: Slowly stir in the half and half mixture, blending it fully with the broth and roux base.
- Season the Sauce: Add dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice to the sauce. Stir well to combine all seasonings.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Reduce heat to low, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Finally, add the spinach and stir until just wilted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. The sauce will thicken further as it stands.
- Serve: Plate the creamy spinach pasta and enjoy immediately, ideally accompanied by garlic bread with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture; al dente is best.
- Swirling the pan when browning butter prevents burning and develops a deeper flavor.
- Adding chicken broth slowly helps prevent lumps in the sauce.
- You can substitute penne pasta if ziti is unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
