This Spinach with Fettuccine is a fantastic and easy side dish or light main course that’s ready in no time! It’s quick to make, and you’ll love the classic flavor combo of olive oil, garlic, and cheesy Parmesan.
Add a protein like chicken, pork, or fish, or serve this classic dish with your entree of choice. This is a super simple way to use up leftover pasta and create a healthy and satisfying side!
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💚 About This Recipe
Looking for the perfect side dish for a busy night? This fettuccine with spinach is a healthy and satisfying dish that's easy to make!
You can also serve this as a light main course and pair it with a protein of your choice. The whole family will love this simple side that only takes a couple of ingredients!
And if you love healthy recipes and the combo of delicious pasta with the clean flavor of baby spinach, this Creamy Mushroom Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake is another fantastic dish to try!
🧂 Ingredients Needed
- fettuccine - any kind of pasta works well in this dish, but I like the nice bite of fettuccine.
- spinach - fresh spinach gives this dish a nice refreshing flavor.
- olive oil - used to saute the garlic.
- garlic - I use a garlic paste to cut down on prep time, but you can use fresh garlic cloves if you like.
- salt - the only thing I add for flavor is salt, but you can add other seasonings as well.
- Parmesan cheese - adds richness and an appetizing finish.
🔪 Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta to al dente based on the directions on the box.
- Before you drain the pasta, stir in the spinach to the boiling water until it's wilted, then drain everything and set it aside.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then saute the garlic paste with salt for a few minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the pasta mixture to the skillet and toss to coat everything well.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then serve and enjoy!
❔ FAQs
Cook until al dente - tender but still firm when bitten. Test a minute before the package directions suggest.
This dish cooks the spinach in the pasta water to wilt it. You can also do the same with frozen spinach, but I like the flavor of fresh spinach better. But you don't have to do any other cooking before you add the spinach to the pasta!
Some people prefer the flavor of fresh minced garlic to a jarred garlic or garlic paste, but I've found that the flavor difference isn't too noticeable, and using pre-minced garlic or garlic paste cuts down on prep time!
💭 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Add a pop of color and flavor with some fresh herbs like fresh parsley or fresh basil.
- If you're using frozen spinach, allow it to thaw first and drain out excess liquid. Add it to the dish with the garlic and olive oil instead of in the pasta water.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pasta at the end for some extra shine and flavor.
- Use one fresh garlic clove for each tablespoon of garlic paste.
📌 This fettuccine pasta with the addition of spinach is perfect as a healthy and tasty side dish the whole family will love! You can also eat this family favorite as a lunch or a light main course.
💡 Substitutions and Variations
- Add salt and pepper for some extra flavor, or other seasonings like garlic powder or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Top this dish with some grilled chicken or even some pan fried tofu to give this dish more protein.
- Feel free to use fresh garlic cloves if you prefer, but jarred garlic and garlic paste are reliable and affordable options that cut down on prep.
- For a thicker and creamier result, add some heavy cream, cream cheese, or even a store bought alfredo sauce.
- If you prefer, use penne pasta or another short cut pasta.
- Instead of cooking the pasta, you could use leftover plain pasta (or even a pasta with tomato sauce or a classic fettuccine alfredo). In this case, combine everything in a large bowl and microwave the spinach first to
wilt it.
🔊 What readers are saying...
"I love fettuccine and spinach. It is pure comfort food. So easy and delicious! Thanks for sharing!"
- Michele
🥫 Storage and Reheating
Allow your pasta to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze your leftovers for several months. Allow spinach with fettuccine to thaw before reheating.
You can easily reheat the pasta in the microwave, or add it back to a skillet over medium heat with some extra olive oil.
🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
I love to serve this spinach and pasta with a hearty homemade bread like Cheddar Bacon Bread, Parmesan Garlic Bread, or even this Crock Pot Bread with Garlic and Parmesan for the pasta dinner of your dreams!
If you're looking to serve this as a side dish, pair it with a Chicken Tray Bake or some Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Legs.
✔️ More Pasta Recipes You'll Love
- 20 Minute Creamy Pesto Pasta - Fans of basil will adore this creamy and refreshing pasta dish.
- Creamy Spinach and Mushrooms Pasta - I love making this one pot dish with a cheesy and comforting sauce.
- White Wine Shrimp Pasta with Arugula - Ready in 30 minutes, this super easy seafood dish is bursting with refreshing flavors.
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad - This unique pasta salad dish from JZ Eats is a fun take on the dish that's perfect for summer!
Fettuccine with Spinach
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📋 Recipe Card
Fettuccine and Spinach
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (1 package)
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chunky garlic paste (or use finely minced garlic)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package directions.8 ounces fettuccine
- Right before draining the pasta, add the spinach and stir until wilted. Then drain the pasta/spinach mixture. Set aside5 ounces fresh spinach
- Heat the olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Add the garlic paste and salt and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.1 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon chunky garlic paste, ½ teaspoon salt
- Add the pasta/spinach and toss to combine.
- Reduce heat to low to keep warm until ready to serve, tossing occasionally.
- Serve topped with parmesan cheese, if desired.grated parmesan cheese
Notes
- Substitute frozen spinach for fresh by thawing and draining it first. Then add to the skillet with the olive oil and garlic right before adding the cooked pasta.
- You can use finely minced fresh garlic instead of garlic paste for even more garlic flavor. Or use jarred minced garlic for convenience.
- If desired, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at this stage for added richness and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
Update Notes: This post was originally published in April 2014, and was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in May 2024.
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Gwen says
My family loved this! Thank you!
Jane says
My family loved this!
Addie says
Loved how easy this was to make! So yummy!
Gel says
Wow, that was incredible! I can't wait to have it again.
Sharon says
I'm always looking for dishes I can use to sneak veggies into my family's meals. This one is delicious and a winner.
Paula says
There's just something about spinach & pasta that I love! this recipe was absolutely delish.
Angela says
This is the best way to eat spinach! My kids devoured this pasta. So good and easy to make!