One Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that warms not just the stomach, but the very soul. Imagine a rainy evening, the kind that makes you want to curl up on the couch with your favorite blanket. You know the feeling when you crave something hearty yet simple, a meal that’s both indulgent and packed with flavor? That’s when I turn to my beloved One Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta. It’s a heartwarming dinner option that comes together in a single pot, creating the kind of magic that envelopes your kitchen in rich aromas, and leaves your loved ones smiling at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this easy recipe! Let me share a few emotional and practical reasons that have made One Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta a staple in our household:

Comfort in a Bowl: Each creamy bite feels like a warm hug, bringing familiarity and joy to family gatherings.
Quick Dinner Idea: With a cooking time of about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal fast.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous gourmets, this dish can easily adapt by adding in proteins or other veggies.
Wholesome Ingredients: Spinach adds not only a pop of color but also nutritional benefits, making this dish a healthy option amidst a sea of comfort foods.
Family Favorite: Kids love it, adults cherish it, and it creates lasting memories around the dinner table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful pasta:

Pasta (your choice – I love linguine or fettuccine): A comforting base that soaks up all the flavors.
Fresh Spinach: A nutrient-packed green that wilts perfectly into the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Minced – because who can resist the fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen?
Butter: Adds richness and depth to your sauce.
Heavy Cream: For that luscious, creamy texture that coats each piece of pasta beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated – infuses a nutty, cheesy flair (you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option).
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

Feel free to swap in ingredients based on your pantry—broccoli, kale, or even peas can add a lovely twist!

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Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This dish is ready faster than takeout and more satisfying too!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy Italian bistro at this point!
Add Spinach: Toss in the fresh spinach and sauté until it wilts, which should take just a couple of minutes.
Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, mixing until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
Mix in the Pasta: Return the drained pasta to the pot, and add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Season and Serve: Finish with fresh salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot. Don’t forget a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top just before indulging!

Tips and Variations

Protein Additions: For added protein, toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to throw in seasonal vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work wonderfully!
Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley on top adds a delightful freshness, perfect for a festive meal.
Healthier Options: Swap half the pasta for quinoa or use whole wheat noodles for an extra health boost.

Serving Suggestions

Imagine sitting down to a table beautifully set with vibrant plates of this One Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta. Pair it with a side salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette and a glass of crisp white wine. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering with friends. Perhaps finish the night with an indulgent dessert, like a rich chocolate mousse, for a sweet ending!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store your pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last up to three days. Reheat with a little splash of cream to restore its creamy texture. If you’re looking to make it ahead, prepare the base, and just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente—it’ll absorb the sauce while you finish cooking.
Adjust Creaminess: Love a creamier texture? Just add more cream or pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Look for Fresh Spinach: Fresh is always best for this recipe, but frozen spinach can also work in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture!

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works beautifully in this recipe.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Can I add more veggies?
Yes! This dish is wonderfully versatile—feel free to add in any vegetables you have on hand!

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Conclusion

As you gather around the table with your loved ones and share the warmth that comes from a bowl of One Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta, you’ll realize that meals are more than just food—they’re about connection, love, and making memories. This recipe truly embodies comfort and is a reminder that the best moments are often created around a shared table. I hope you find joy in making this dish and that it becomes a new favorite in your home. So, grab your pot and get ready to create something beautiful!

Contents

1 One Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta

One Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta

A comforting and creamy pasta dish that's perfect for quick weeknight dinners, featuring garlic, spinach, and a rich sauce.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce Base

8 oz Pasta (linguine or fettuccine) Your choice of pasta
2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness to the sauce
4 cloves Garlic (minced) For aromatic flavor
1 cup Heavy Cream For creamy texture
1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with nutritional yeast for dairy-free option
Salt Salt To taste for seasoning
Pepper Pepper To taste for seasoning

Vegetables

3 cups Fresh Spinach Nutrient-packed green

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Making the Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach and sauté until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creamy consistency.

Combining Ingredients

Return the drained pasta to the pot, adding in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

For variations, consider adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Keyword Creamy Pasta, Garlic Butter, One Pot Meal, Pasta, Quick Dinner

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest