If you are craving a comforting yet fresh pasta dish, this Spinach Alfredo Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with tender spinach, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and a burst of green goodness. Every forkful feels like a warm hug, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal to share with loved ones. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of wholesome ingredients that come together into an absolutely delicious dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Spinach Alfredo Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s the creamy texture from the cream cheese and Parmesan or the vibrant freshness the spinach brings. These essentials combine to create a sauce that’s rich, velvety, and utterly irresistible.
- 12 oz. penne pasta: Choose penne for its perfect bite and ability to hold the sauce well.
- 2 Tbsp butter: Adds a silky base and deepens the flavor of the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cups whole milk: Creates a creamy and smooth sauce foundation.
- 6 oz. cream cheese: Gives that luscious creaminess that makes the Alfredo sauce so dreamy.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan: Brings sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the richness.
- 4 cups baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, leafy texture that brightens up the dish.
How to Make Spinach Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This is essential for cooking the penne just right so it has a satisfying bite but isn’t overdone. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain carefully in a colander but save a little pasta water if you like to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
While your pasta cooks, melt butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrantly soft but not browned. This step is the flavor base for your sauce and sets the stage for the creamy goodness to come.
Step 3: Melt Cream Cheese with Milk
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the whole milk along with the cream cheese chunks. Keep whisking gently as the cream cheese melts completely into the milk. This slow, even melting is what gives your sauce such a luxuriously smooth texture without any lumps.
Step 4: Whisk in Parmesan and Season
Once the cream cheese has melded into the milk, add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk continuously. The sauce will thicken as it approaches a gentle simmer — the key moment for perfect consistency. Season it with salt and a generous crack of black pepper to bring the flavors into sharp focus.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach Into the Sauce
Now, fold in the fresh baby spinach. It may seem like a lot at first, but it quickly wilts down and blends beautifully into the sauce. This adds a lovely freshness and a vibrant green color that makes the dish feel wholesome and nourishing.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add your cooked and drained penne to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce. Stir everything thoroughly so every piece of pasta is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness. Serve it immediately for that irresistibly warm and perfectly sauced meal.
How to Serve Spinach Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper on top can elevate your Spinach Alfredo Pasta Recipe visually and flavor-wise. For a burst of color and brightness, toss in some chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves before serving.
Side Dishes
This rich pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to bring some textural contrast. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also make excellent companions, soaking up any leftover Alfredo sauce that lingers on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve in shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers or a drizzle of good olive oil. You can also customize portions using individual ramekins baked with an extra layer of cheese to create a bubbling, gratin-style finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your Spinach Alfredo Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the sauce fresh and the pasta tender without becoming mushy.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Keep it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving at full power to prevent the sauce from separating and keep the spinach tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, you can use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even farfalle based on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a lighter version of this Spinach Alfredo Pasta Recipe?
You can substitute half-and-half or a lower-fat milk, and reduce the cream cheese slightly. Adding more spinach also helps stretch the sauce without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat with a little milk, then add freshly cooked pasta and spinach to finish.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
For a similar creamy texture, try substituting with mascarpone or ricotta cheese, but the rich tang of cream cheese is unique in this recipe.
How do I keep the spinach from becoming soggy?
Add the spinach at the last minute to the hot sauce and stir just until it wilts. Overcooking spinach in the sauce can make it limp and watery, which we definitely want to avoid!
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Alfredo Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like comfort food but still has that fresh, homemade charm. Easy enough for busy nights and special enough for inviting friends over, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and revel in that creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Spinach Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and comforting Spinach Alfredo Pasta combines tender penne with a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, cream cheese, Parmesan, and whole milk. Fresh baby spinach is folded in for a vibrant touch and a boost of nutrients. Ready in just 25 minutes, this satisfying dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal anytime.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz. penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 oz. cream cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Add-ins
- 4 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat butter in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened, being careful not to brown it.
- Add milk and cream cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the whole milk. Add cream cheese cut into chunks. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and blends into the milk, forming a smooth sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan and season: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue whisking as the sauce gently simmers and thickens. Lower the heat to keep the sauce warm and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the baby spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts and becomes tender.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach Alfredo sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk or a milk alternative, though this may affect creaminess.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds better when tossed with the sauce.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or mushrooms for added protein and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
