Description
A rich and creamy garlic Parmesan pasta dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon zest or juice (optional)
- Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional)
- Sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta water and cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine or spaghetti and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 to 1 cup of the starchy cooking water before draining.
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
- Build the cream sauce: Lower the heat, pour in the heavy cream, and let it come to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Emulsify with Parmesan: Gradually add grated Parmesan while stirring continuously. If the sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water until glossy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, making sure every strand is coated.
- Fold in the spinach off the heat: Remove skillet from heat and mix in baby spinach until wilted.
- Plate and garnish: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top.
Notes
Serve in warmed bowls to keep the sauce silky. Great with a side of arugula salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pasta, creamy, garlic, Parmesan, spinach, quick dinner, vegetarian