Pasta With Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Creamy spinach Alfredo pasta features tender noodles coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with wilted spinach and fragrant garlic, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add cream, bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low to thicken slightly.
- In a separate pan, boil a small amount of water, add frozen spinach, cook for a few minutes, then drain very well, squeezing out excess water.
- In the same pan, rinse and dry, then add olive oil and chopped garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add drained spinach to the garlic and olive oil, mixing well.
- Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the spinach Alfredo sauce and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier consistency, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to the Alfredo sauce. You can also substitute fresh spinach for frozen, just sauté it until wilted. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish is versatile; feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pasta With Spinach Alfredo Sauce with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Yummy Stuffed Pasta Shells for a delightful Italian-themed dinner. For a fresh touch, garnish with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Spinach Alfredo Sauce contains roughly 26 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach works wonderfully in this recipe. Just sauté it until wilted before adding it to the garlic and olive oil mixture. You may need a bit more fresh spinach than frozen since it cooks down significantly.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Any pasta shape works well, but fettuccine or penne are great choices as they hold the sauce nicely. Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option or dietary preferences.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter, use a plant-based cream or cashew cream for the sauce, and replace the parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).