Description
Creamy Spinach Pasta is a comforting and quick-to-make dish featuring tender ziti cooked to perfection and enrobed in a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. This recipe balances creamy textures with bright lemon juice and herbs, making it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner, ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for serving four.
Ingredients
Scale
Herbs and Spices
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Dairy & Liquids
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half (half milk/half cream)
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated from a block)
Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups spinach
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ pound ziti rigati (penne works well too)
Instructions
- Prep Work: Heat salted water for the pasta while measuring out all ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process as this recipe moves quickly.
- Cook Pasta: Add the ziti to the boiling water as you begin the sauce preparation. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Make Butter and Garlic Base: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue heating until the butter foams and turns slightly brown, swirling the pan intermittently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Create Roux: Increase heat to medium, then whisk in the flour. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until it darkens and the raw flour smell dissipates.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth in small splashes, stirring continuously to integrate it smoothly. Follow by stirring in the half and half gradually.
- Season Sauce: Add dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice to the mixture and stir well to combine the flavors.
- Finish Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta completely and fold it into the creamy spinach sauce. The sauce will thicken more as it stands. Serve immediately, optionally with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Swirling the butter and garlic helps to evenly brown the butter without burning the garlic.
- Gradually adding liquids helps avoid lumps in the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a side salad for a full meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smooth melting.
