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Rich and Flavorful Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta Sauce

A fork lifts a twirl of fettuccine coated in creamy spinach pasta sauce, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Make this rich and flavorful creamy garlic spinach pasta sauce from scratch. This recipe is simple, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and tastes better than takeout.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine or penne)

Instructions

  1. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the spinach has wilted down completely. This may take 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through for 1 minute.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Toss the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat every piece. Serve immediately for a delicious homemade spinach pasta topping.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, transfer the wilted spinach and liquid mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender before adding the cream and cheese.
  • Add cooked, shredded chicken or sun-dried tomatoes during step 6 for added flavor and protein.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/spinach-pasta-sauce-recipe-easy-creamy-garlic/