Go Back
- 12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - Fresh basil leaves - Additional Parmesan for serving Gathering these ingredients makes this creamy lemon spinach pasta come alive. The fettuccine serves as a great base. You can pick your favorite pasta if you prefer something different. Olive oil and garlic are key for flavor. They give the dish a warm, inviting aroma. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and healthy vitamins. Heavy cream brings the dish its creamy texture. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth, making each bite rich. Lemon zest and juice brighten the flavors. They cut through the creaminess with a fresh, zesty note. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. If you enjoy a kick, add red pepper flakes for heat. Finally, fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan serve as lovely garnishes. They make the dish look and taste amazing. Enjoy cooking this delightful recipe! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt and bring it to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add 12 ounces of fettuccine or your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package directions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Before you drain the pasta, make sure to save 1 cup of that tasty pasta water. This water is great for later! Grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it's warm, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells great but doesn’t burn. Now, toss in 5 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook the spinach for about 3 to 4 minutes until it wilts down nicely. Lower the heat, then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the zest of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. After the pasta is drained, add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently. If the sauce seems too thick, use that reserved pasta water a little at a time to get the creaminess just right. Now it's time to taste. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a little heat, add some red pepper flakes. Finally, serve your creamy lemon spinach pasta on plates and add some fresh basil leaves on top for a nice touch! To get the right creaminess in your sauce, pasta water is key. After cooking your pasta, save one cup of that starchy water. Add it slowly to your sauce, mixing well. This step will help you reach your desired texture. If the sauce seems too thick, just add more water until it’s smooth. Cooking your pasta al dente is crucial. Follow the package instructions but check a minute early. The pasta should be firm but not hard. This way, it will soak up the sauce better. Want to spice things up? You can add red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will give your dish a nice kick. If you don’t like heat, skip the flakes. For those with dietary needs, many options exist. You can use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a vegan twist. Plating can make your dish pop! Use a shallow bowl for a nice look. After serving, add extra Parmesan and a twist of lemon zest on top. For extra flair, you can also sprinkle some fresh basil leaves. They add color and a fresh taste. Enjoy the compliments when you serve this beautiful dish! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach offers the best flavor and texture for this dish. Avoid using frozen spinach as it can make the sauce watery. Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. It helps to adjust the sauce's consistency and adds starch for better adherence to the pasta. Adjust Lemon Flavor: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice based on your taste preference. More lemon can brighten the dish, while less will create a creamier flavor. Garnish Creatively: Elevate your dish with garnishes like toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your creamy lemon spinach pasta for a heartier meal. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work great. - Chicken: Cook bite-sized pieces in the skillet before adding garlic. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp until they turn pink before adding spinach. - Tofu: Use firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried for texture. For a vegetarian or vegan option, use tofu or skip the meat altogether. This makes the dish lighter and still tasty. Not a fan of fettuccine? You can use other pasta types! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are tasty swaps. - Whole Wheat: This option adds fiber and a nutty flavor. - Gluten-Free: Check cooking times on the package, as they can vary. Be mindful of cooking methods and timings. Always taste for doneness. Make your dish shine with seasonal veggies! In spring, add peas or asparagus. In summer, use zucchini or cherry tomatoes. - Spring Veggies: Peas bring sweetness, while asparagus adds crunch. - Summer Veggies: Zucchini gives a fresh taste, and tomatoes add color. You can also create a lighter version by using less cream in hot months. Just add more lemon juice for brightness! To keep your creamy lemon spinach pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it. This helps avoid excess moisture, which can make the pasta soggy. When you want to eat it again, reheat gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to help keep it creamy. You can freeze creamy lemon spinach pasta, but it may change texture. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly, adding a bit of cream or pasta water to restore its creaminess. In the fridge, this dish stays good for about 3 to 4 days. After that, it may start to lose flavor and texture. Signs that the pasta has gone bad include a sour smell or mold. If you see either, it’s best to toss it out. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can prepare parts of this recipe ahead. Cook the pasta and make the sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine them and heat gently. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter option. Coconut cream is another great choice if you want a dairy-free alternative. These substitutes will still give you a creamy texture. To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Check labels to ensure all ingredients are dairy-free. Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet. This will keep your dish from becoming too watery. Absolutely! Creamy lemon spinach pasta is great for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners. Just reheat it on the stove or microwave. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor. This will make the dish more filling and nutritious. Fettuccine is a classic choice, but you can use any pasta you like. Penne or rotini are great options, too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. This blog post covered how to create a delicious creamy pasta dish. We explored key ingredients like fettuccine, olive oil, and fresh spinach. I showed you how to prepare a rich sauce and combine it with your pasta. We also discussed tips for perfect creaminess, variations with proteins, and storage options. Now you can enjoy this dish any way you like! Whether you're serving it at a dinner or enjoying it solo, these steps guarantee a tasty meal each time. Let's get cooking!

Creamy Lemon Spinach Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with fresh spinach and a zesty lemon flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fettuccine or your pasta of choice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional red pepper flakes, for heat
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is achieved.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
  • Divide the creamy lemon spinach pasta among plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, serve in a shallow bowl and top with additional Parmesan and a twist of lemon zest.
Keyword creamy, lemon, pasta, spinach