Creamy Garlic Spinach Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 12 ouncepasta (any short shape)
- 10 ouncefresh spinach
- 4 clovegarlic
- ¾ cupheavy cream
- ½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoonbutter
- ¼ cuppanko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoonolive oil
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- 02
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- 03
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 04
Add spinach in batches, stirring gently, until fully wilted (about 3 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 05
Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes).
- 06
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding pasta water 1/4 cup at a time until the sauce reaches a silky consistency (you may not need it all).
- 07
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Divide among bowls and top with crispy breadcrumbs.
Spice Tips
Add a pinch of nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon) to the cream sauce for warmth. For heat, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a small pinch of cayenne.
Make-ahead: you can prep the spinach and mince the garlic up to 4 hours ahead. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.