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Creamy One-Pot Garlic Spinach Pasta

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A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring a creamy garlic sauce and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknights and beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 5 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the uncooked pasta and milk to the skillet. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
  4. Simmer the pasta for about 12 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or extra milk if liquid evaporates too fast.
  5. Once pasta is al dente, add softened cream cheese in dollops and stir gently until melted and fully combined into the sauce.
  6. Add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Let everything cook uncovered for another 2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally with crusty bread or a crisp salad.

Notes

Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor; if using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water. Softened cream cheese blends better—let it sit at room temperature or microwave briefly. Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta. Adjust milk quantity if sauce thickens too much. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, garlic spinach pasta, easy dinner, beginner recipe, quick pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-one-pot-garlic-spinach-pasta-easy-dinner-recipe-for-beginners/