Creamy Spinach Cheese Pasta (Print Version)
Tender pasta in a rich, creamy sauce with fresh spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Simple and satisfying comfort.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 7 ounces fresh baby spinach, washed
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
→ Dairy & Cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 1 2/3 cups whole milk
08 - 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 3.5 ounces cream cheese
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 - Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Other
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring continuously, until the spinach has wilted, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the spinach mixture from the skillet and set it aside.
04 - Using the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
05 - Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
06 - Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground nutmeg (if desired). Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
07 - Add the wilted spinach mixture and the cooked pasta to the prepared cheese sauce. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the dish is heated through.
08 - Serve the creamy spinach and cheese pasta immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's a hug in a bowl that comes together quicker than you'd think, perfect for chasing away those weeknight blues.
- You get that indulgent, creamy texture without feeling heavy, making it surprisingly satisfying.
02 -
- Always err on the side of undercooking your pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook a bit when tossed with the hot sauce.
- That tiny pinch of nutmeg truly enhances the dairy flavors in your sauce, adding an unexpected layer of warmth and sophistication.
03 -
- Keep some of the starchy pasta water on hand; it's your best friend for adjusting the sauce's consistency if it gets too thick.
- Bringing your cream cheese to room temperature before adding it to the sauce will ensure it melts in smoothly without leaving any pesky lumps.