Angel Hair Pasta With Spinach Alfredo

Name: Angel Hair Pasta With Spinach Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz angel hair pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Nutritious Favorites

I absolutely love making Angel Hair Pasta with Spinach Alfredo for a quick yet elegant meal. The delicate strands of pasta paired with a creamy, garlicky spinach sauce create a satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe has become a favorite in my household, especially during busy weeknights when I want something hearty but don't have a lot of time. Plus, the fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and nutrition boost to the rich, velvety sauce. It's comfort food at its finest!

Created by

Margaret Hill

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:17:35.426Z

When I first experimented with a creamy spinach alfredo sauce, I didn’t expect it to become a staple in my dinner rotation. The trick is to sauté fresh garlic and spinach until tender before adding your cream and cheese to create a luscious base. I’ve found that using freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference in flavor.

This dish isn’t just about taste; it’s also about speed. The quickest part is cooking the angel hair, which only takes a few minutes. Tossing everything together right before serving ensures it’s perfectly fresh and bursting with flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy Alfredo sauce with a hint of garlic
Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition
Quick preparation time perfect for busy nights

The Role of Fresh Spinach

Adding fresh spinach not only enhances the color of the dish but also infuses it with essential nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and calcium, making this pasta not just delicious but nutritious, too. When sautéed, spinach becomes tender and sweet, balancing the richness of the creamy Alfredo sauce. If you have additional leafy greens, such as kale or Swiss chard, you can substitute them for spinach for a different flavor profile while still keeping the dish healthy.

It’s important to note that the spinach should be added after the garlic has had a chance to bloom in the olive oil. This technique allows the garlic to release its flavors fully, which enhances the overall taste of the dish. Aim to sauté the spinach just until it is wilted—about 2-3 minutes—so it retains a bit of bite and doesn’t lose its vibrant green color.

Perfecting Your Alfredo Sauce

Achieving the perfect Alfredo sauce requires attention to the cheese incorporation. Make sure to add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly into the cream. If you add it all at once, it risks clumping up, resulting in a grainy texture that can be unappetizing. I use a block of Parmesan and grate it fresh because pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.

If your sauce becomes too thick as it simmers, don’t hesitate to adjust it with the reserved pasta water. This water not only thins the sauce but also starchy, enhancing the sauce's cling to the pasta. The key is to add it gradually, stirring constantly until you reach a creamy consistency. The final sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a glossy finish.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

Serving your pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a dash of black pepper elevates the dish's presentation and flavor. For an added touch, consider a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of nutmeg over the Alfredo, which can brighten the flavors beautifully. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that's sure to impress at the dinner table.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. You can add a splash more cream or milk to bring back the creaminess. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish before adding the cheese; thaw and mix in the cheese when ready to eat, to retain the best texture.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

8 oz angel hair pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Gather all the ingredients and have them ready to go before you start cooking.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the chopped spinach and sauté until just wilted.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Bring to a simmer and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If it's too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Angel Hair Pasta with Spinach Alfredo!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor kick, feel free to add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or top with toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe based on what you have on hand. You can easily substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter version, though the texture will differ slightly. If you're looking for a lower-fat alternative, Greek yogurt can also stand in for heavy cream, but be sure to add it off the heat to avoid curdling.

For an added protein boost, consider incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas into the mix. Just cook them separately and mix them in with the pasta and Alfredo sauce at the end. This not only adds heartiness but also makes the dish more filling, perfect for a family meal.

Cooking Tips for Success

Timing is essential for this recipe. Cooking the angel hair pasta precisely according to the package instructions is key since it cooks very quickly—usually around 4 minutes. If the pasta is left too long in boiling water, it can become mushy and lose its delicate texture. When draining, remember to reserve a little pasta water; this is crucial for creating the right sauce consistency.

While sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it. It can go from perfectly fragrant to burnt very quickly. If you notice it turning golden too fast, lower the heat to prevent bitterness from infiltrating your dish. A stable, medium heat is ideal for developing flavors without compromising their integrity.

Scaling the Recipe

This Angel Hair Pasta with Spinach Alfredo recipe can easily be scaled up or down based on your needs. For a dinner party, simply double the quantities while maintaining the same cooking times and techniques. Just remember to use a larger pot and skillet to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients.

If you find yourself cooking for one, you can also make this in a smaller batch. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and enjoy the same delightful meal without any waste. Just be mindful that fresh spinach wilts down considerably, so even a little helps! Keep leftover sauce separately for drizzling over the pasta when you're ready to enjoy it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for angel hair, you can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine or penne.

→ How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can substitute heavy cream with half and half. Additionally, using less cheese will also reduce the richness.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp would be delicious additions to the pasta.

→ What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.