Craving a quick, delicious, and healthy weeknight meal? Look no further than this creamy spinach and garlic pasta recipe! This one-pan wonder is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists; this recipe focuses on fresh, simple flavors that burst with taste. The rich, creamy sauce perfectly complements the earthy spinach and pungent garlic, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.
Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe even some dinner guests!) with this surprisingly easy pasta dish. This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag. Ready to dive into the simple steps to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's get started with the detailed, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Large frying pan
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp (45ml)
- Shallot: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 6 cloves, roughly chopped
- Dried oregano: 2 tsp (2g)
- Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp (0.5g)
- Sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Vegetable broth: 3 cups (720ml)
- Pasta (penne): 8oz (225g)
- Fresh spinach: 5oz (150g)
- Plain Greek yogurt (room temperature): 150g (5oz+)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics & Start Pasta
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add chopped shallot and garlic, mixing continuously to prevent browning.
- After 2-3 minutes, add oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add pasta, stirring every 2 minutes to prevent sticking.
Step 2. Cook Pasta & Spinach
- Roughly chop spinach.
- After 8-9 minutes of cooking the pasta (check package instructions), add spinach, cover, and simmer over low-medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
Step 3. Finish & Season
- Turn off heat, remove lid, and let cool slightly (3-4 minutes). Check pasta doneness; cook longer if needed.
- Stir in room-temperature Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Adjust consistency with broth if needed.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor.
- Room temperature yogurt is crucial to prevent curdling.
- Veganize with plant-based yogurt.
- Check pasta package instructions for cooking time.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce. Frozen spinach can be slightly more watery.
2. What kind of pasta works best with this recipe?
This recipe works well with any short pasta shape, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti as it might not coat as well in the sauce.
This creamy spinach and garlic pasta is a true weeknight winner, offering big flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy the satisfyingly creamy texture and vibrant taste of this simple yet elegant dish. We hope you savor every bite!