Creamy Spinach Penne Pasta Recipe
Course: Dinner | Cuisine: Italian | Diet: Vegetarian
Introduction
The Creamy Spinach Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of Italian home cooking, offering a beautiful balance of creamy richness and the fresh, vibrant taste of spinach. Inspired by the flavors I experienced on a memorable trip to Italy, this vegetarian pasta is quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner. What makes it truly special is the way the fresh spinach integrates into a velvety white sauce, creating a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Paired with penne pasta and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is a celebration of simple, yet robust, flavors. Let’s dive into this recipe that will bring a slice of Italy right to your dinner table!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Durum Wheat Penne Pasta | 300 grams |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak), roughly chopped | 300 grams |
| Garlic, grated | 2 cloves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and Pepper, freshly crushed | To taste |
| For the White Sauce | |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Fresh Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt and Pepper, to taste | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 kcal |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Instructions
To begin making the Creamy Spinach Penne Pasta, start by preparing all your ingredients. This will ensure the process is smooth and quick, especially when making the white sauce. Here’s how to do it:
-
Cook the Penne Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8–10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water for later, and set aside.
-
Prepare the Spinach
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant and golden.
- Add the chopped spinach leaves to the skillet and sauté for another 3–4 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Season with freshly crushed salt and pepper to taste. Stir occasionally to ensure the spinach doesn’t burn, but instead softens and releases its vibrant green color.
-
Make the White Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt the whole wheat flour over medium heat to form a roux. Stir continuously to avoid any lumps.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, followed by the fresh cream. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Combine Pasta, Spinach, and Sauce
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with spinach. Toss to combine and coat the pasta with the spinach mixture.
- Slowly pour the white sauce over the pasta, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency to your liking.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Once the pasta is well-coated and creamy, transfer it to serving plates. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, creamy texture of this delightful Italian pasta dish!
Tips for Success
- Freshness is Key: The key to this dish lies in the freshness of the spinach and the creaminess of the white sauce. Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, and opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese to elevate the dish.
- Pasta Variations: While penne pasta works beautifully in this recipe, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Rigatoni or fusilli would be great alternatives that can hold the creamy sauce well.
- Make it Your Own: If you want to add a little more depth of flavor, consider incorporating a dash of nutmeg or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the white sauce for an extra layer of taste.
- Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and cashew cream, and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach Penne Pasta
This dish is everything you want in a comforting pasta meal: creamy, satisfying, and loaded with fresh, healthy ingredients. The spinach not only provides an incredible burst of green but also adds vitamins and minerals that make this dish both flavorful and nourishing. The white sauce, made with whole wheat flour and fresh cream, is rich without being overly heavy, making it a perfect balance for the al dente pasta. The addition of Parmesan cheese ties everything together, giving the dish a savory depth that’s truly irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a vegetarian meal that impresses your guests, this Creamy Spinach Penne Pasta is the perfect recipe to add to your rotation. Enjoy this delicious Italian-inspired dish and savor the simple pleasures of fresh ingredients and creamy goodness.
Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves
4 servings
