![- 300g fettuccine pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 250ml heavy cream - 100g cream cheese, cubed - 100g fresh spinach, chopped - 50g grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - A pinch of nutmeg (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The main ingredients create a rich and tasty base for the dish. Fettuccine pasta works well here, as its wide shape holds the creamy sauce nicely. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the garlic. Minced garlic gives a strong, savory taste, while heavy cream and cream cheese provide the creamy texture. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, and Parmesan cheese enhances the dish with a salty kick. You can tweak the flavors with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you like. - Lemon wedges for serving - Extra Parmesan for garnish Optional ingredients can make your creamy garlic pasta even better. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish and adds a fresh taste. Extra Parmesan sprinkled on top gives a nice touch. These little details can take your meal from good to great. You can find the full recipe to explore all the ways to enjoy this dish. - Step 1: Cook fettuccine until al dente. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook as per the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Al dente means the pasta should still have a slight bite. - Step 2: Reserve pasta water and drain. Before draining, save about a cup of the starchy pasta water. This water helps in making the sauce creamy and smooth. - Step 3: Sauté garlic in olive oil. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it smells amazing, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn. - Step 4: Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. - Step 5: Add spinach until wilted. Toss in the chopped spinach, stirring until it wilts down, which takes about 2-3 minutes. - Step 6: Mix in Parmesan and season. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like. - Step 7: Toss pasta with sauce. Add the drained fettuccine to the sauce. Mix well, ensuring every strand is coated with the creamy goodness. You can add some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. This is where the magic happens. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more details! - Ensure garlic doesn’t burn: Garlic can turn bitter if you let it cook too long. Sauté it for just 1-2 minutes until it smells great and turns golden. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. - Use reserved pasta water for sauce consistency: After cooking your fettuccine, save a cup of that starchy water. Add it to your sauce as needed. This will help you adjust the sauce’s thickness and keep it creamy. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve your creamy garlic pasta in warm bowls. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine. Sprinkle extra Parmesan to make it look fancy. A lemon wedge on the side adds color and brightens the dish. - Pairing options and drink suggestions: This pasta pairs well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon. A light salad with vinaigrette works great on the side, too! For the full experience, don't forget to check out the [Full Recipe] for step-by-step guidance. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your taste. Here are some fun swaps: - Substitute spinach with kale or arugula: Kale adds a hearty bite. Arugula gives a peppery kick. Both pair well with garlic and cream. - Use different types of pasta: Try penne or spaghetti. Each type offers a unique texture. You can even use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Want to make the dish more exciting? Add these ingredients: - Incorporate cooked chicken or shrimp: This adds protein and makes the dish more filling. Simply toss in cooked pieces near the end. - Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives: Both give a burst of flavor. They add a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. Try mixing them in right before serving. These variations let you personalize your creamy garlic pasta. You can explore flavors and textures that you love! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To keep your creamy garlic pasta fresh, refrigerate it right away. Place it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out. Make sure it cools down first. Leftover pasta can stay fresh for three to five days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. However, creamy sauces may change texture when frozen. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating properly is key. Start by taking the pasta out of the fridge. Place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce. Stir it gently as it warms up. This will help regain its creamy texture. If using a microwave, put the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a bit of water, then cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, it warms evenly without drying out. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Just cook it according to the package instructions. The sauce remains the same. This way, everyone can enjoy the creamy garlic pasta. What can I use instead of heavy cream? If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These alternatives add a nice creaminess without the heavy feel. How long does the creamy garlic sauce last? The creamy garlic sauce lasts in the fridge for about three days. Store it in a tight container. Reheat it gently on the stove. If it thickens, add a splash of water or broth. Can I add more garlic? Absolutely! If you love garlic, add more cloves. Start with one extra and taste as you go. Garlic has a strong flavor, so find what works for you. What if I don't have fresh spinach? No problem! You can use frozen spinach instead. Just thaw it and drain excess water. You could also use other greens like kale or Swiss chard. They work well in this dish. How to make a vegan version of this dish? To make this creamy garlic pasta vegan, use plant-based cream and cheese. Almond or soy cream work well. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This will keep the flavor rich and creamy. Can I freeze this creamy garlic pasta? I do not recommend freezing the pasta. The sauce may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the sauce alone. Store it in a container, and thaw it when needed. Just cook fresh pasta to enjoy it at its best. In this blog post, we explored a creamy garlic pasta recipe packed with flavor. We covered the main ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and offered tips for perfecting your dish. Remember, you can customize it with different ingredients or flavors. Enjoy experimenting with variations! Storing and reheating leftovers ensures you savor this meal more than once. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe promises a delicious result every time. Dive in and take your pasta game to the next level!](https://chellesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/b32cde5e-483a-4a53-8009-34698f427077-250x250.webp)
Creamy Garlic Pasta with Spinach
Indulge in the deliciousness of creamy garlic spinach pasta that’s perfect for any dinner! This quick and easy recipe combines fettuccine with a rich cream sauce, fresh spinach, and Parmesan for a delightful meal ready in just 20 minutes. Discover how simple ingredients can create an irresistible dish that everyone will love.