Do Share Recipe

Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta Recipe | Quick & Flavorful

Honestly, the first time I made this garlic butter spinach and pasta recipe, it instantly became one of my favorite quick dinners. I remember twirling the warm, buttery bow tie noodles around my fork while that garlicky aroma filled my kitchen. The fresh spinach wilted perfectly into the silky sauce, making every bite deliciously balanced.

I couldn’t believe how simple it was to make something that tasted this rich and comforting. If you’re anything like me and love pasta nights, you might also enjoy a Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe for a spicier twist, or a Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe for a lighter, citrusy option.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this garlic butter spinach and pasta come together beautifully — with tips on why each ingredient is worth using:

8 ounces bow tie pasta: The shape holds the sauce well, but any pasta you love will work.
4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is ideal so you can control the seasoning.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives that bold, aromatic flavor you expect.
8 ounces fresh baby spinach: Fresh works best — frozen spinach can get watery and dilute the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a gentle herbal note that pairs beautifully with garlic.
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste: Season gradually and adjust at the end.
Fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano: Freshly grated melts and blends much better than pre-shredded.
2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Adds creaminess without making the sauce heavy.
¼ cup milk: Helps loosen the sauce and gives it a silky texture.

Note: Serves several. This recipe yields about 4 generous servings.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these simple variations:

Dairy-free option: Use vegan butter and coconut cream to replace butter and cream cheese.
Extra protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
More greens: Swap or add kale, arugula, or Swiss chard for extra nutrients.
Cheesier twist: Add mozzarella, gouda, or Pecorino Romano for extra richness.
Kick of spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon brightens the whole dish.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long everything takes:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Grab these tools to make the recipe smooth and easy:

Large pot: For boiling the pasta until perfectly al dente.
Large skillet or Dutch oven: Ideal for preparing the sauce and mixing the pasta.
Colander: To drain the pasta while keeping a bit of starch.
Wooden spoon or tongs: For stirring, tossing, and coating the pasta evenly.
Measuring cups/spoons: Helps ensure balance and consistency in flavor.

How to Make Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta Recipe

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to make this delicious meal:

Cook the Pasta

I start by boiling the pasta in salted water until al dente. This texture keeps the noodles firm and prevents them from becoming mushy once mixed with the sauce.

Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

While the pasta cooks, I melt butter in a large pan and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant. Then I toss in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt until soft but still vibrant and tender.

Combine and Create the Sauce

After draining the pasta, I add it to the skillet along with cream cheese and milk. Stirring gently helps everything melt into a creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. A sprinkle of dried basil, salt, and pepper brings all the flavors together.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

These tricks always improve the final dish when I make it:

I use freshly minced garlic because it has a brighter, stronger flavor.
I never overcook the spinach — a quick wilt keeps it fresh and tender.
A little extra milk helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
I always taste at the end and adjust salt for the best flavor.
Sometimes I add lemon zest for a pop of freshness.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta Recipe

Serve it warm with a generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and cracked black pepper. A small handful of chopped parsley adds color and freshness. It pairs perfectly with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple mixed green salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a simple overview of what you can expect nutritionally per serving:

Calories: About 385 kcal
Protein: Around 11g
Carbohydrates: About 46g
Fat: Around 18g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days. I like to add a tiny splash of olive oil before refrigerating so the pasta doesn’t clump.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze well because the creamy sauce can separate, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated only.

Reheating

Reheat on low in a skillet and add a splash of milk or a small amount of butter to restore creaminess. Heating slowly keeps the sauce smooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this dish becomes a favorite for almost everyone:

Quick and easy: It’s done in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Comforting and rich: The garlic-butter sauce is simple yet irresistibly cozy.
Flexible: You can customize it with proteins, veggies, or cheeses.
Family-friendly: The mild and creamy flavor appeals to both kids and adults.
Great leftovers: It reheats surprisingly well and stays flavorful.

Ben Carraoli