Description
This Creamy Spinach Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner ready in just 20 minutes. Featuring garlicky goodness, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a velvety Parmesan sauce, it’s the perfect comfort dish that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 8 oz whole wheat penne, rotini, or pasta of choice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (12 oz) can reduced-fat evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly torn or chopped
- ⅓ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is golden and flour disappears.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Finish Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes.
- Combine: Stir in cooked pasta and lemon juice. If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to loosen.
- Serve: Finish with fresh parsley or basil and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute butter and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
