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This dish shines with a few key items. You need: - 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy sauce. The garlic brings warmth, while the spinach adds freshness. For those who want more kick, consider adding: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adding red pepper flakes gives a spicy twist to your dish. You can adjust the amount to fit your taste. Garnish your pasta for a pop of color and flavor. Use: - Fresh basil Basil not only looks nice but also adds a fresh taste. Scatter it on top just before serving for the best effect. For a full experience, check out the Full Recipe. It guides you through each step to make this meal a breeze. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta. Make sure to save about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. This water helps make the sauce creamy. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they smell great and look golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic tastes bitter. Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This thickens the sauce nicely. Next, add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it continuously until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Now it's time to mix everything. Stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach into the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season your sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the drained pasta into the creamy garlic spinach sauce. Make sure each strand of pasta is coated well with the sauce. Serve your creamy garlic pasta right away, garnished with fresh basil. You can find the full recipe for this dish if you want to explore more details. To avoid overcooked garlic, keep a close eye on it. Cook the garlic over medium heat. Stir it often and watch for color change. If it turns brown, it can taste bitter. You want it fragrant and just golden. This way, you get the best flavor in your dish. If you prefer a creamier sauce, use more heavy cream. Start with the full cup and see how it looks. If it seems too thick, add a little pasta water to lighten it. For a lighter sauce, reduce the cream to half a cup. Taste as you go to find the right balance. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for about three days. When you want to reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it warm up evenly. Stir often to keep it from sticking. This keeps your creamy garlic pasta delicious for the next meal. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your creamy garlic pasta. Chicken or shrimp works great. If you choose chicken, grill or sauté it in olive oil. Cook it until golden brown, then slice it. Add it to the pasta at the end. For shrimp, sauté it with garlic until pink. Toss it in right before serving. These additions boost flavor and make the meal heartier. For a vegetarian twist, consider mushrooms or roasted veggies. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil until soft. They add a rich, earthy taste. Roasted vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, give a sweet pop. Roast them in the oven with olive oil and herbs. Add these to the pasta for a colorful and tasty dish. This way, you can enjoy a nourishing meal without meat. If you need gluten-free options, there are many available. Look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. They cook just like regular pasta. You can also use spiralized veggies like zucchini or carrots for a fresh take. They add crunch and flavor. These choices keep your creamy garlic pasta delicious and friendly for gluten-free diets. For the full recipe, check out the detailed guide above. After you enjoy your creamy garlic pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh and safe. Place the container in your fridge and use it within three to four days. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the pasta into single servings for easy thawing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, and remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. Your creamy garlic pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat with care. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. For the skillet, add a little olive oil or cream and warm it over low heat. This helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out. For the full experience, consider adding fresh spinach or a sprinkle of cheese when you reheat. Creamy garlic pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or cream if it seems dry. Yes, you can use lighter options like half-and-half or whole milk. These will change the texture a bit. The sauce may be less rich but still tasty. You can also try unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free choice. Just make sure to add a little flour or cornstarch to thicken it. This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. A glass of white wine enhances the meal beautifully. For a twist, add roasted veggies on the side. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. This blog post covered the key ingredients for creamy garlic pasta, from the main and optional flavors to tasty garnishes. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking and making the sauce. I also shared tips to avoid overcooked garlic and advice on storing leftovers. Remember, you can customize this dish with proteins or veggies. With the right storage, it stays fresh and tasty. Enjoy making your creamy garlic pasta, and feel free to experiment! Your kitchen is your playground.

Creamy Garlic Pasta with Spinach

Indulge in the ultimate creamy garlic spinach pasta that’s both delicious and easy to make! This quick recipe showcases the perfect blend of fettuccine, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic cream sauce, making it a weeknight favorite. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for busy evenings.
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown, being careful not to burn it.

      Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

        Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If it's too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

          Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season the sauce with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.

            Toss the drained pasta into the creamy garlic spinach sauce, ensuring all strands are evenly coated.

              Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4