Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 1 poundpasta
- 10 ouncesspinach
- 4 clovesgarlic
- 1 cupheavy cream
- 2 tablespoonsbutter
- ¾ cupparmesan cheese
- ½ cuppanko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
Prep
- 01
Mince 4 cloves garlic.
- 02
Roughly chop 10 ounces fresh spinach (or use pre-bagged baby spinach).
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 02
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring often, until golden and toasty, about 3 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate.
- 03
In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 04
Add spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes total.
- 05
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Add cooked pasta and toss well, adding pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until the sauce coats the noodles without pooling.
- 06
Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Divide into bowls, top with crispy breadcrumbs and remaining 1/4 cup parmesan. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
If you'd like more depth, add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg with the cream (classic pairing with spinach). For heat, finish with a small pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes. For extra richness, use cream; for lighter versions, substitute half the cream with pasta water or whole milk. Fresh spinach wilts down significantly, so don't be shy with volume.