Quick Creamy Spinach Pasta

Fresh or frozen spinach, a shortcut cream cheese parmesan sauce, and tender pasta make for an easy weeknight meal.

Here’s Why We Love This

It needs just a few ingredients that you likely have on hand.
Spinach pasta is great for busy nights, it’s fast to make!
If you like creamed spinach, you’ll love the flavor of this dish.
Keeping a package of frozen spinach on hand makes this easy to make any time.
This is a yummy meatless main dish but you can also add cooked shrimp or leftover chicken.

Ingredients

SPINACH: Use either fresh or frozen spinach. If using frozen, be sure to squeeze it well. If using fresh, cook it in a pan first and then squeeze it.

SAUCE: Using cream cheese in the sauce means no need for a roux. Flavored spreadable cream cheese will work too (like herb and garlic) but won’t be quite as thick.

To stretch the sauce for a larger crowd, whisk in some heavy cream and let it simmer a few minutes before adding the parmesan cheese.

PASTA: Any medium pasta works. Penne, farfalle, and rotini are great choices. This sauce also works well with cheese filled ravioli.

How to Make Spinach Pasta

Prepare pasta & cook al dente.
While the pasta is cooking soften the onion in a pan.
Add cream cheese and, once melted, stir in broth & spinach.
Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.

Tips for a Great Pasta Dish

Be sure to salt the pasta water for the best flavor.
Frozen spinach can be swapped for fresh spinach. Cook 1 lb of fresh spinach in a non-stick pan until wilted. Cool slightly and squeeze dry.
Squeeze out spinach before adding to the pan to remove extra moisture.
For a smooth sauce, melt the cream cheese before adding the broth.
Do not rinse the pasta, this will help the sauce stick to it.

More Meatless Mains

If you’ve got spinach to use, find our favorite frozen spinach recipes here.

Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi – with a rich & velvety sauce
Fettuccine Alfredo – a classic favorite
Vegetarian Chili – so heart & flavorful!
Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta – budget-friendly
Easy Lentil Shepherd’s Pie – perfect for a crowd
Creamy Bow Tie Pasta

Did you make this Creamy Spinach Pasta? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!