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Quick Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach in White Wine Sauce

quick garlic parmesan pasta - featured image

A quick and easy pasta dish cooked directly in a garlicky white wine sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese, ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 4 cups loosely packed fresh spinach (about 120 grams), roughly chopped
  • 3/4 cup (75 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mince the garlic, roughly chop the spinach, and grate the Parmesan. Prepare all ingredients before starting (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large sautΓ© pan over medium heat until butter melts and foams slightly.
  3. Add minced garlic and sautΓ© for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Pour in the white wine and increase heat to medium-high. Let it simmer and reduce by half, about 3 minutes, until fragrant and slightly sweet.
  5. Add the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Add the dry pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  7. Cook the pasta in the sauce for 8-10 minutes, stirring often. Add more broth or water if the sauce reduces too quickly.
  8. When pasta is nearly done, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  9. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  10. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice. Stir well.
  11. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Keep an eye on the liquid level while cooking pasta in the sauce to maintain a saucy consistency without being soupy. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Adding spinach last prevents it from becoming mushy. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. If white wine is unavailable, substitute with extra broth and a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, spinach pasta, white wine sauce, easy dinner, 15-minute recipe, weeknight meal