Spinach Pasta – Simple, Creamy, and Comforting

Hug from the Garden on Your Plate 💚

Sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the most soulful dishes. Spinach Pasta is one of those rustic, no-fuss meals that Nonna used to whip up with what she had in her kitchen and garden.

Velvety spinach sauce meets tender lumaconi pasta in a dish that’s as comforting as it is quick. No cream, no cheese—just humble Italian magic. 🇮🇹✨

💚 Why Nonna Loves This Recipe

• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.

• Healthy and hearty—packed with fiber and iron.

• Perfect for weeknights—quick and satisfying.

• Customizable—add ricotta or chili flakes if you like.

⏳ Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

🛒 Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) lumaconi pasta (or any short pasta like rigatoni or penne)

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 10 oz (280g) fresh spinach (about 8–10 cups loosely packed)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes

🍽️ Method: Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lumaconi until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and golden, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the Spinach:
   Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and tender.

4. Blend the Sauce:
   Transfer the cooked spinach and onions to a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach a creamy consistency.

5. Combine and Serve:
   Return the spinach sauce to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir well over low heat for 2–3 minutes until everything is well coated and warm.

6. Finish with Love:
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil. Optional: top with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or crushed red pepper for extra flavor.

🧾 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

🧠 Tips & Tricks

• Use frozen spinach if you’re short on time—just thaw and drain it well.

• Add a touch of garlic while sautéing the onion for extra aroma.

• For a richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of ricotta or mascarpone before blending.

• Save leftover sauce for spreading on bruschetta or adding to soups.

PASTA AND SPINACH

Velvety spinach sauce meets tender lumaconi pasta in a dish that’s as comforting as it is quick.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Italian Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Notes

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) lumaconi pasta (or any short pasta like rigatoni or penne)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 10 oz (280g) fresh spinach (about 8–10 cups loosely packed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes

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🍽️ Method: Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lumaconi until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and golden, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the Spinach:
   Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and tender.
4. Blend the Sauce:
   Transfer the cooked spinach and onions to a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach a creamy consistency.
5. Combine and Serve:
   Return the spinach sauce to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir well over low heat for 2–3 minutes until everything is well coated and warm.
6. Finish with Love:
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil. Optional: top with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or crushed red pepper for extra flavor.

Keyword spinach, spinach pasta, pasta and spinach

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