Get ready to indulge in a world of creamy, dreamy, spinach-filled pasta dishes! Spinach and pasta are a match made in heaven, and when you add rich and creamy sauces to the mix, it’s a recipe for culinary success. Whether you’re a fan of classic Italian flavors or looking to spice things up with some international flair, we’ve got you covered. From comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes like Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta and Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta, to innovative twists like Spinach Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts and Spinach and Walnut Pasta with Brown Butter, there’s something for everyone in this collection of 20 creamy spinach pasta recipes.
Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta
This recipe combines the flavors of garlic, butter, and spinach to create a creamy and nutritious pasta dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
4. Combine cooked pasta and spinach mixture in the skillet. Toss to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta
A rich and creamy pasta dish packed with sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a little olive oil until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in heavy cream and thyme; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta and creamy mushroom mixture; toss to combine.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this classic Italian recipe that combines the flavors of spinach, ricotta cheese, and tender shells. This comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Stuff each shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed shells and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Lemon Garlic Spinach Pasta
A light and flavorful pasta dish that combines the brightness of lemon with the earthiness of spinach, all tied together with a hint of garlic. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in lemon juice and stir to combine with garlic. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in chopped spinach and cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Bake
A comforting, flavorful pasta dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the richness of artichokes with the creaminess of spinach and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add artichoke hearts and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly caramelized.
4. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Set aside.
5. In a separate bowl, combine cooked pasta, artichoke-spinach mixture, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Spinach and Tomato Pasta
A flavorful and spicy pasta dish that combines the richness of tomatoes with the creaminess of spinach and a kick of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until tomatoes start to release their juices.
4. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
5. Combine cooked pasta and tomato-spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts
This recipe combines the freshness of spinach with the richness of pine nuts and parmesan cheese, all wrapped up in a delicious pasta dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine spinach, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the pesto sauce to the cooked pasta, tossing to combine. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A classic comfort food recipe with a twist – the addition of spinach adds a burst of nutrients and flavor to this rich and creamy pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked fettuccine pasta to the creamy sauce and toss until coated.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the pasta and stir to combine.
6. Stir in fresh spinach leaves until wilted.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Pasta
This recipe combines the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta for a delicious and healthy meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in fresh spinach leaves until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta, tomato-spinach mixture, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pasta Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and flavorful recipe! Jumbo pasta shells filled with a spinach and feta mixture, baked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, feta, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Spinach and Bacon Pasta
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this creamy pasta dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With the rich taste of bacon, the depth of spinach, and the creaminess of sauce, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add thawed spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, bacon, spinach mixture, and heavy cream. Stir until well combined and heated through.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
A refreshing and flavorful pasta salad that combines the creaminess of goat cheese with the nutty taste of spinach, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bow-tie pasta
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, spinach leaves, goat cheese, and pecans.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Sausage Pasta Skillet
Quickly cook up a hearty and flavorful pasta dish with this Spinach and Sausage Pasta Skillet recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, rigatoni)
– 1 Italian sausage link, sliced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes or until browned, flipping halfway through.
3. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in chicken broth, then add spinach leaves. Cook until wilted (about 1 minute).
5. Combine cooked pasta, sausage, and spinach mixture in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Parmesan Pasta with Lemon Zest
This light and flavorful pasta dish combines the earthiness of spinach with the tanginess of lemon zest and the richness of parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add reserved pasta water and cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water if needed.
5. Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Shrimp Scampi Pasta
A classic Italian-inspired dish gets a boost from fresh spinach and succulent shrimp. This quick-cooking recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz linguine pasta
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. If using wine, add to skillet and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add spinach leaves to skillet and cook until wilted.
6. Toss cooked pasta with shrimp, spinach mixture, and reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
This vibrant pasta dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted red peppers with the earthy flavor of spinach, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place red bell peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until skin is blistered and charred.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
4. In a large skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add roasted red peppers, spinach, and heavy cream. Stir until combined and heated through.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the sauce, tossing to coat.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Spinach and Walnut Pasta with Brown Butter
This comforting pasta dish combines the earthy flavors of spinach and walnuts with the nutty, caramel-like goodness of brown butter. A simple yet impressive recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, linguine)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add chopped walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly toasted (about 5 minutes).
3. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted (about 1-2 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a small saucepan, melt remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Combine cooked pasta, spinach-walnut mixture, and brown butter in a large serving bowl. Toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Caramelized Onion Pasta
This recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the earthiness of spinach, all wrapped up in a comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add spinach leaves to the skillet and stir until wilted.
5. Combine cooked pasta, onion mixture, and reserved pasta water in a large bowl.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spinach and Gorgonzola Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the earthy flavor of spinach with the tanginess of gorgonzola cheese. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., pappardelle, fettuccine)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine cooked pasta, wilted spinach mixture, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese in a large bowl. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired creaminess.
5. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Turkey Meatball Pasta
A hearty and flavorful pasta dish that combines the richness of turkey meatballs with the nutrients of spinach and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form into meatballs (about 20-25) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Add marinara sauce to the pasta and stir well.
7. Add turkey meatballs and spinach to the pasta mixture. Toss gently.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of creamy spinach pasta dishes! This collection of 20 mouth-watering recipes features a variety of delicious and nutritious options. From classic comfort food like Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta to more adventurous dishes like Spicy Spinach and Tomato Pasta, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making Spinach Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts or Spinach and Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, these creamy spinach pasta recipes are sure to satisfy.
Leave a Reply