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Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Spinach Parmesan Meal

creamy one-pot garlic butter pasta - featured image

A creamy, buttery one-pot garlic butter pasta with fresh spinach and parmesan cheese, delivering a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every noodle for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz linguine or fettuccine
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: mince the garlic, grate the parmesan, and rinse the fresh spinach. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water (about 5 minutes).
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add the dry pasta to the skillet, then pour in 4 cups of broth, just enough to cover the pasta. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes, until silky and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Gradually add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen.
  6. Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes, keeping the spinach vibrant and tender.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or lemon zest.
  8. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

Notes

Stir gently but often while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add broth if sauce thickens too quickly before pasta is done. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, cream with coconut or cashew cream, and parmesan with vegan cheese. Protein additions like cooked chicken or shrimp can be added for a heartier meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, garlic butter pasta, creamy pasta, spinach pasta, parmesan pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food