Name: Quick Spinach Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 onion, diced; 3–4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 180 g fresh spinach; 80 g Parmesan, finely grated; 280 g spaghetti; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt & black pepper; 1 tsp dried parsley; Optional: chilli flakes

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This creamy, vibrant green spinach sauce is the ultimate weeknight pasta hero. It’s packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and sneaks in a good serving of greens while still feeling indulgent with Parmesan. Perfect when you want a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast & easy: Ready in the time it takes to cook spaghetti.
Nutritious: Full of spinach, garlic, and heart-healthy olive oil.
Creamy without cream: Parmesan and pasta water create a silky, rich texture.
Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients, big flavor.

Ingredients

1 onion, diced
3–4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
180 g fresh spinach
80 g Parmesan, finely grated
280 g spaghetti

Cupboard Essentials

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt & black pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
Optional: chilli flakes

Method

Cook aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low. Add onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook gently until softened (about 6 minutes).
Boil pasta: Meanwhile, add spaghetti to heavily salted boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes less than the packet instructions.
Make sauce base: To the softened onions and garlic, add spinach, dried parsley, and 200ml of starchy pasta water. Cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
Blend: Transfer mixture to a blender and blitz until smooth.
Combine: Return sauce to pan over low heat. Add spaghetti and two-thirds of the Parmesan. Toss well, loosening with extra pasta water as needed.
Finish & serve: Top with the remaining Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional chilli flakes. Serve immediately.

Servings & Timing

Serves: 2–3
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Nutty twist: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts before blending for depth.
Creamier: Stir in a splash of double cream or mascarpone at the end.
Vegan: Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, prawns, or crispy chickpeas.
Herby: Fresh basil or mint can be blended in for a fresh kick.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of water or stock to loosen.
Freezer: The blended sauce (without pasta) freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before blending.

Can I make this without a blender?

You can finely chop the spinach and let it cook down into a rustic sauce, but blending gives the creamy green texture.

Do I need to use spaghetti?

Nope! This works beautifully with penne, rigatoni, linguine, or even gnocchi.

Why pasta water instead of regular water?

The starch in pasta water helps bind the sauce and makes it silky.

Conclusion

This quick spinach pasta sauce is the perfect balance of comfort and freshness—creamy, garlicky, and cheesy while sneaking in a ton of greens. It’s the kind of simple, no-fuss recipe you’ll come back to again and again.