Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that is both rich and comforting while still feeling light and fresh, this Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta is the perfect recipe. With a velvety, cheese-infused sauce, the warmth of garlic and chili flakes, and the brightness of lemon, every bite is packed with flavor. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it a fantastic choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

This dish draws inspiration from classic Italian pasta recipes that use eggs, cheese, and pasta water to create a creamy, luxurious sauce—similar to carbonara but without the bacon. Instead of relying on heavy cream alone, the combination of eggs and Parmesan creates a natural, silky texture that clings to every strand of spaghetti. The addition of fresh spinach not only enhances the nutritional value but also provides a wonderful contrast in texture, balancing the richness of the sauce.

Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta Ingredients

• 16 ounces spaghetti pasta, cooked according to package instructions

• 5 cloves of garlic, minced

• 3 Tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

• 6 cups baby spinach, washed and rinsed

• 3 eggs

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• zest of 1/2 lemon

• juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 Tablespoons of pasta water to be added back into the sauce

Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta Instructions

• Cook the Pasta:
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve pasta water.

• Sauté Garlic and Spinach:
  In a large pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add in spinach, cooking until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). season with a large pinch of salt. Remove from heat.

• Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
  In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese and 2 Tablespoons of hot pasta water to temper eggs.

• Combine Everything:
  Return the drained pasta to the pan with the sautéed garlic and spinach. Pour in the egg mixture while tossing continuously to coat the pasta evenly. Add the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a creamy consistency. Keep tossing with the lemon until the sauce thickens slightly from the heat of the pasta. If necessary put pan back on stove over very low heat until egg mixture lightly thickens.

• Serve:
  Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: This entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

2. Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and lemon gives the sauce an elegant depth of flavor that tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian trattoria.

3. Nutritious and Satisfying: With the addition of baby spinach, this pasta provides vitamins and minerals while still being indulgent. You can also customize it with extra vegetables or protein for a heartier meal.

4. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: This recipe relies on simple, high-quality ingredients to create something truly special. Since pasta, eggs, cheese, and garlic are pantry staples, you may already have everything you need on hand.

The Secret to the Perfect Creamy Sauce

The magic of this dish lies in how the sauce is made. Instead of using a roux or heavy amounts of cream, the sauce is formed by combining eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of reserved pasta water. When tossed with the hot pasta, the eggs gently cook, emulsifying with the cheese and pasta water to create a creamy, silky texture. This method ensures that the sauce coats each strand of spaghetti beautifully without being overly heavy.

To enhance the flavor, freshly cracked black pepper and red chili flakes add a subtle warmth that balances the richness of the sauce. Meanwhile, a touch of lemon zest and juice brightens the entire dish, making it taste fresh and vibrant rather than overly decadent.

Ways to Customize This Dish

While this recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste. Adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted cherry tomatoes would complement the garlic and spinach beautifully. For extra protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta would be excellent additions. You can also swap out the spinach for kale or arugula if you prefer a different green.

Whether you’re making this for a cozy dinner at home or serving it to guests, this Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and simple preparation, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again