Quick Creamy Spinach and Garlic Pasta

Quick Creamy Spinach and Garlic Pasta is a light, savory dish that combines penne pasta with sautéed spinach in a creamy, garlic sauce. It is similar to alfredo sauce but much lighter because we use chicken broth instead of heavy cream. So simple, quick, and delicious, this dish is great to throw together for a quick weeknight meal or as the main course for entertaining. Pair with some garlic bread and a fresh salad.

I originally created this to have my kids eat more spinach and it worked! They absolutely love it! I’ve even had someone that doesn’t like spinach or pasta rave about it. Being so easy and quick to prepare, we make this at least once a week.

Quick Creamy Spinach And Garlic Pasta Key Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make up this dish.

Pasta

I typically use penne pasta for this recipe but any pasta you have on hand will work.

Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil is the best oil to use for this recipe.

Spinach

I prefer to use fresh baby spinach but any kind of fresh spinach works.

Minced Garlic

Minced garlic works perfectly for this dish but you can also use garlic cloves.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth adds so much flavor and moisture to this recipe. While the recipe calls for 1 cup, if you have leftovers, you can add a little more stock when reheating so it doesn’t dry out.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds creaminess and flavor to this dish. I prefer to use full-fat brick style cream cheese (Philadelphia brand).

Parmesan Cheese

I typically use grated parmesan cheese for this dish.

Quick Creamy Spinach And Garlic Pasta Process

Preparation

Put cream cheese on the counter while gathering other ingredients so it can begin to soften. This will make it easier to incorporate into the sauce.

Pasta

Cook and drain pasta according to instructions on box. I typically use penne but any pasta will work.

Sauce

I typically begin the sauce at the same time as the pasta. In a large skillet or pot, add olive oil and minced garlic. Heat on medium-low, stirring constantly, until slightly golden and fragrant. Add fresh spinach, stirring frequently, and cook until just starting to wilt. Then, add chicken broth and cream cheese. Increase heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until cream cheese is melted and ingredients are melded together. Stir in salt and pepper. Add cooked and drained pasta and give a quick stir. Then, mix in parmesan cheese and serve.

How Should I Store Quick Creamy Spinach And Garlic Pasta?

Store pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When reheating, I typically add a little leftover chicken broth so it doesn’t dry out.

Tips

• Cream cheese – Having the cream cheese slightly softened will make it easier to incorporate in the sauce.
• Storage – Store pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When reheating, I typically add a little leftover chicken broth so it doesn’t dry out.

My Preferred Tools

You may already have many of these items in your kitchen. I recommend the following for this recipe:

• Strainer – to drain pasta
• Saute Pan – to cook sauce
• Cooking Pot – to cook pasta

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The Kelly Kitchen

Quick Creamy Spinach and Garlic Pasta

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Quick Creamy Spinach and Garlic Pasta is a light, savory dish that combines penne pasta with sautéed spinach in a creamy, garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

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Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 (16 oz) box pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 (8 oz) brick cream cheese, slightly softened
• 1 (5 oz) box fresh baby spinach
• ½ tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Note: Gram measurements do not adjust automatically with the serving multiplier.

Method

 

PASTA

1. Cook and drain pasta according to instructions on box. I use penne but any pasta will work.

SAUCE

1. Put cream cheese on the counter while gathering other ingredients so it can begin to soften. This will make it easier to incorporate into the sauce.
2. I typically begin the sauce at the same time as the pasta. In a large skillet or pot, add olive oil and minced garlic. Heat on medium-low, stirring constantly, until slightly golden and fragrant.
3. Add fresh spinach, stirring frequently, and cook until just starting to wilt.
4. Add chicken broth and cream cheese. Increase heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until cream cheese is melted and ingredients are melded together. Stir in salt and pepper.
5. Add cooked and drained pasta and give a quick stir. Then, mix in parmesan cheese and serve.

STORAGE

1. Store pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When reheating, I typically add a little leftover chicken broth so it doesn’t dry out.

Video

Notes

SPINACH: This recipe is very flexible when it comes to the spinach. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your personal preference—add a little extra if you love your greens!

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