Spinach pasta recipe is a vibrant, wholesome, and visually striking dish that offers the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor. Whether you make spinach pasta dough from scratch or toss cooked pasta with a creamy spinach sauce, this dish is satisfying, versatile, and easy to customize. It’s a delicious way to sneak leafy greens into your meal and can be served as a main course, side, or part of a larger Italian spread.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with iron, fiber, and vitamins from spinach.
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Beautiful Presentation – The green hue makes it visually appealing for guests and kids.
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Versatile – Works with a variety of sauces: cream-based, tomato-based, or olive oil-based.
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Great for Any Skill Level – Whether you’re making fresh pasta dough or a simple sauce, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.
Ingredients List
Here are the basic ingredients needed for Spinach Pasta made from scratch (including the dough and a creamy spinach sauce):
For the Spinach Pasta Dough:
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2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1½ cups all-purpose + ½ cup semolina)
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2 large eggs
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1 cup fresh spinach leaves (or ½ cup cooked, squeezed dry)
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cups fresh baby spinach
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 30 minutes (longer if making pasta dough)
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: ~50 minutes
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Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions for Spinach Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Steam or blanch fresh spinach until wilted. Squeeze out excess water and puree in a blender or food processor. You’ll need a thick spinach paste to blend into your dough.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Create a mound of flour on a clean surface. Make a well in the center and add eggs, spinach puree, salt, and olive oil. Gradually incorporate the flour using a fork, then knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pasta
Use a rolling pin or pasta machine to roll the dough to your desired thickness. Cut into fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even ravioli shapes. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fresh spinach pasta cooks quickly—about 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce
In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in cream and parmesan cheese, stir well, and season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and coat evenly. Serve hot with extra cheese on top.
Optional Add-ins and Proteins
To bulk up the dish or add more texture, consider these optional ingredients:
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Grilled chicken or shrimp
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Sun-dried tomatoes
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Mushrooms
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Cherry tomatoes
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Ricotta or burrata
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Toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
Tips for Success
Use High-Quality Spinach
Fresh spinach gives the best flavor and color. If using frozen, make sure it’s thawed and thoroughly drained.
Don’t Overwork the Dough
Knead until smooth and elastic but avoid over-kneading to prevent toughness.
Cook Fresh Pasta Briefly
Fresh pasta takes much less time to cook than dried varieties—2 to 3 minutes is often enough.
Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Dough
Spinach pasta dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Freezing Pasta
Cut pasta can be frozen on a tray and stored in freezer bags. Boil directly from frozen without thawing.
Sauce Storage
The creamy spinach sauce can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling.
Spinach Pasta Variations
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Use cooked spinach pasta sheets or shells filled with ricotta and spinach mixture, then bake with tomato sauce and cheese.
Vegan Spinach Pasta
Use a vegan pasta dough (no eggs) and swap cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can substitute for cheese.
Spinach Pesto Pasta
Blend fresh spinach with basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil for a quick pesto sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve spinach pasta with:
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Crusty garlic bread
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Caprese salad
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Roasted vegetables
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White wine or a citrusy mocktail
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
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Calories: 420
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Carbs: 40g
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Protein: 14g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 4g
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Iron: 18% RDA
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Calcium: 15% RDA
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat:
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Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or cream and warm over low heat.
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Microwave: Cover and heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they may separate.
Spinach Pasta for Meal Prep
Spinach pasta is a fantastic addition to your meal prep routine. You can:
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Pre-portion cooked pasta and sauce into containers.
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Vary the protein or veggie toppings for different days.
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Freeze individual portions of cooked pasta (without sauce) for quick meals.
FAQs
Can I use a blender or food processor to make the dough?
Yes. Combine all ingredients in a food processor until a dough ball forms. Knead briefly on a floured surface before resting.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend designed for pasta. The texture will differ slightly but still be tasty.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The mild spinach flavor is hidden in the pasta, making it a fun and nutritious meal for kids.
What if I don’t have a pasta machine?
Use a rolling pin and knife to roll and cut the dough. Aim for even thickness to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Spinach pasta is a creative, healthy, and flavorful twist on classic Italian pasta. Whether you’re kneading a homemade green dough or stirring up a luscious spinach sauce, this dish is both wholesome and indulgent. From elegant dinners to weeknight comfort food, spinach pasta delivers on every front.