Go Back
–+ servings
Parmesan Spinach Pasta

Creamy Parmesan Spinach Pasta That Will Brighten Your Dinner

This Creamy Parmesan Spinach Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that combines savory garlic, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Ziti Barilla recommended for perfect al dente texture.
For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Unsalted preferred for better seasoning control.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Freshly minced.
  • ¼ cup Flour For thickening the sauce.
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock Swanson recommended.
  • 1 cup Half and Half Can be swapped with heavy cream.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice To brighten flavor.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Freshly grated.
For the Spinach
  • 5 cups Spinach Fresh, remove thick stems.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Parsley
  • ½ teaspoon Mustard Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust based on your taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions (10-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prep garlic and Parmesan cheese by mincing garlic and grating cheese.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
  4. Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes to make a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in chicken stock and half and half until the sauce thickens (4-5 minutes).
  6. Add oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon juice; adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Stir in Parmesan until melted, then fold in spinach until wilted.
  8. Add cooked ziti to the sauce and toss to coat. Adjust with pasta water if needed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Can freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken stock or milk.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!