Sunday Creamy Spinach Pasta

Name: Sunday Creamy Spinach Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g pasta of your choice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 150g fresh spinach; 200ml heavy cream; 50g grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love preparing this Sunday Creamy Spinach Pasta; it’s a delightful dish that has become a family favorite over the years. The creamy sauce blended with fresh spinach creates a rich and comforting flavor that warms the soul. I appreciate how simple ingredients can come together to create such a satisfying meal. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta dish always leaves my loved ones feeling happy and content. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion!

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:19:08.828Z

Every time I make this Sunday Creamy Spinach Pasta, I am reminded of the first time I attempted a creamy sauce. The blend of sautéed garlic with tender spinach creates a flavorful base that’s just divine. I discovered that incorporating a touch of nutmeg into the sauce adds an unexpected depth that elevates the dish. This little secret is something I’ve started to share with friends who can’t get enough of the creamy goodness!

Cooking this pasta has transformed my weekends into something special. It’s not just about the food; it's about gathering the family around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying every bite. Adding freshly grated Parmesan just before serving helps to enhance the savory notes even more. I can’t wait for you to try it and love it as much as I do!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Delicious creamy texture paired with fresh spinach
Quick preparation time, perfect for busy evenings
Family-friendly dish that even kids love

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this Sunday Creamy Spinach Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The heavy cream is essential for achieving that luxurious creaminess that coats each strand of pasta beautifully. When selecting your pasta, whether it be fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti, it's crucial to choose a shape that can hold the sauce well. I prefer wider noodles as they create a more satisfying bite with every forkful.

Fresh spinach is a star ingredient in this dish, not only for its vibrant green color but also for its nutritional value. When sautéed, it wilts down significantly, so be generous with your measurements. If you're ever in a pinch or want to switch things up, consider using frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in your dish.

Crafting the Perfect Sauce

The process of making the creamy sauce is what sets this dish apart. As you sauté the garlic, keep an eye on the heat; it should be medium to prevent burning, which can impart a bitter flavor. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic turns golden and fragrant. Pouring in the cream too quickly can cause it to curdle, so add it gradually and stir gently to create a smoothly blended sauce.

After stirring in the Parmesan cheese, taste the sauce before seasoning. Different cheeses can vary in saltiness, so it's best to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking at this stage. If you want to introduce a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, which complements the cream and spinach beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

300g pasta of your choice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
150g fresh spinach
200ml heavy cream
50g grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to combine, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

Enjoy your creamy pasta dish with a side salad!

Pro Tips

Try adding some sun-dried tomatoes or grilled chicken for an extra layer of flavor and protein.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the great things about this creamy pasta dish is that it can be made ahead of time. Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore its creamy consistency and avoid separation.

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving this pasta hot and garnished with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper enhances its visual appeal and flavor. For a refreshing twist, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or zest right before serving, which can brighten up the dish and complement the creaminess of the sauce. Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal.

If you're looking to experiment, add protein to make this dish more substantial. Grilled chicken or shrimp can be incorporated when you toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce. For a vegan alternative, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and the cheese for nutritional yeast, ensuring a delightful crumbly texture that still satisfies traditional pasta cravings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the sauce.

→ What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any pasta works, but I recommend fettuccine or penne for better sauce adhesion.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.