Creamy Spinach Parmesan Pasta Made Simple and Delicious
There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta after a long day. This spinach parmesan pasta was born on one of those evenings when the fridge felt almost empty, yet dinner still needed to feel warm and satisfying. The idea of blending spinach into a sauce felt playful, almost nostalgic, like sneaking vegetables into a meal without announcing them. The cottage cheese melts into the sauce, turning humble ingredients into something silky and rich without heaviness. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you that good food doesn’t need to be complicated or perfect. Just honest, cozy, and made with what you already have at home. Each bite carries a balance of freshness from lemon and herbs and comfort from pasta and cheese, making it a dish you’ll return to again and again.
Recipe Steps for Creamy Spinach Parmesan Pasta :
Step 1 :
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. I drained mine using a OXO Good Grips Colander, but any strainer you own works perfectly fine.
Step 2 :
Reserve pasta water, then heat olive oil in a pan and wilt the spinach gently. I cooked it in a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, but your regular pan at home is just as good.
Step 3 :
Blend spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, and pasta water until creamy. I used a NutriBullet Pro Blender, but any blender you already have will do the job.
Step 4:
Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta until evenly coated. Add more pasta water if needed, garnish with Parmesan, and serve warm.
Why I Chose This Recipe for This Dish:
I chose this recipe because it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something comforting yet nourishing. It’s the kind of dish that fits effortlessly into busy life while still feeling homemade and intentional. The balance of creaminess, freshness, and ease made it stand out as a reliable go-to meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for simplicity.
Here’s Why This Recipe Was the Perfect Choice:
This recipe is perfect because it delivers indulgent texture without heavy cream, making it lighter but still satisfying. It uses minimal ingredients, comes together quickly, and adapts well to what’s already in the kitchen. It also appeals to a wide range of eaters, from kids to adults, making it ideal for family meals or casual dinners.
Why Consuming This Recipe Has Such Good Benefits:
This dish provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats while incorporating leafy greens in an easy, enjoyable way. The ingredients support digestion, energy levels, and overall wellness without feeling restrictive or overly “healthy.” It’s comfort food that still supports a nourishing lifestyle.
Why Consuming This Recipe Has Such Good Benefits (Bullet Points Only)
• Provides protein from cottage cheese to support muscle health • Includes spinach, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants • Uses olive oil, a source of heart-healthy fats • Offers sustained energy from complex carbohydrates in pasta • Lower in saturated fat compared to traditional cream-based sauces • Supports gut health with calcium and probiotics from dairy • Helps maintain fullness and reduces unnecessary snacking • Easy to digest while still being satisfying • Encourages balanced, home-cooked eating habit
This creamy spinach parmesan pasta blends cottage cheese, fresh spinach, lemon, and herbs into a silky sauce that coats every bite of pasta beautifully.
Creamy Spinach Parmesan Pasta Ingredients
7oz Pasta (Rigatoni, penne, or tortiglioni)
1tbsp Olive oil (Extra virgin)
5oz Fresh spinach (Baby spinach preferred)
0.5cup Cottage cheese (Full-fat or low-fat)
0.33cup Parmesan cheese (Grated)
2tbsp Lemon juice (Freshly squeezed)
1handful Fresh herbs (Parsley and basil)
1clove Garlic (Peeled)
0.5cup Pasta water (Reserved)
to taste Salt & pepper
Instructions
1
Cook pasta until al dente and reserve pasta water.
2
Wilt spinach in olive oil over medium heat.
3
Blend spinach with cottage cheese, Parmesan, lemon, herbs, garlic, and pasta water.
4
Toss sauce with pasta until creamy and combined.
5
Garnish with Parmesan and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat14g22%
Saturated Fat6g30%
Cholesterol25mg9%
Sodium620mg26%
Potassium540mg16%
Total Carbohydrate52g18%
Dietary Fiber5g20%
Sugars6g
Protein21g42%
Vitamin A 4200 IU
Vitamin C 18 mg
Calcium 320 mg
Iron 3.2 mg
Vitamin D 1.2 mcg
Vitamin E 2.1 mg
Vitamin K 145 mcg
Thiamin 0.3 mg
Riboflavin 0.4 mg
Niacin 4.8 mg
Vitamin B6 0.4 mg
Folate 110 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.9 mcg
Biotin 0.9 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 1.4 mg
Phosphorus 360 mg
Iodine 38 mcg
Magnesium 78 mg
Zinc 2.6 mg
Selenium 32 mcg
Copper 0.3 mg
Manganese 0.9 mg
Chromium 6 mcg
Molybdenum 32 mcg
Chloride 820 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Substitutions Ricotta can replace cottage cheese, and kale can be used instead of spinach.
Serving ideas Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Mistakes to avoid Do not overheat the sauce or it may lose its creamy texture.
Chef tips Blend while the spinach is still warm for the smoothest sauce.
Keywords:
creamy spinach pasta, parmesan pasta, cottage cheese pasta sauce, easy pasta dinner
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Wholesome whisk team
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
Welcome to WholesomeWhisk.com,where each recipe is a warm embrace and a shared smile. Born on Pinterest from your encouragement and love, we’ve turned our passion for simple, soul-satisfying dishes into this cozy blog. Here, we celebrate every batter-covered bowl, small kitchen victory, and memory that lingers long after the last bite. Pull up a chair, and let’s nourish body and spirit together.