Quick recipes with pasta and spinach
Got pasta and spinach and not sure what to make? Here are 8 easy dinners you can cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
20 min Serves 4weeknightitalian-inspiredcomfort-food
Garlic-Butter Pasta with Wilted Spinach and Lemon
15 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianlight
Crispy Garlic & Chile Oil Pasta with Wilted Spinach
15 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianspicy
Garlic Butter Pasta with Wilted Spinach and Crispy Breadcrumbs
20 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianone-pan
Creamy Garlic Pasta with Spinach and White Beans
20 min Serves 4weeknightvegetariancomfort-food
Lemony Pasta with Spinach and Crispy Garlic
15 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianbright
Creamy Garlic & Spinach Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
20 min Serves 4weeknightitaliancomfort-food
Garlic Oil Pasta with Fresh Spinach and Lemon
15 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianlight
More ideas
Common questions
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in pasta recipes?
- Yes, frozen spinach works well and is often cheaper—just thaw it and squeeze out excess water so your dish doesn't become watery. Use about 1/3 the amount of frozen spinach compared to fresh since it's more concentrated.
- How do I prevent my pasta and spinach dish from becoming watery?
- Drain frozen spinach thoroughly by thawing it and squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel, and add spinach near the end of cooking rather than at the beginning. You can also sauté fresh spinach first to remove some moisture before combining with pasta.
- What proteins pair well with pasta and spinach?
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, ground turkey, crumbled sausage, or white beans are all excellent additions that turn a side dish into a complete meal. Eggs work great too—try tossing warm pasta with beaten eggs for a creamy carbonara-style variation.
- How far in advance can I prepare pasta and spinach dishes?
- Most pasta and spinach dishes are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If making ahead, keep the pasta slightly undercooked and store pasta and sauce separately to prevent mushiness.
- How can I make pasta and spinach healthier without sacrificing taste?
- Use whole grain or legume-based pasta for extra fiber and protein, and add vegetables like garlic, tomatoes, or mushrooms for nutrition and flavor. A light olive oil base with garlic and lemon is just as delicious as heavier cream sauces.