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Spinach pasta sauce with shell pasta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Spinach Pasta Sauce

Lori Mauer
Whip up this vibrant, creamy Spinach Pasta Sauce recipe in just 20 minutes! A cheesy, kid-friendly way to get your greens.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 327 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 11 ounces baby spinach
  • 16 ounces pasta of your choice
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened.
    Cooking garlic and finely diced onion in olive oil for spinach pasta sauce.
  • Add the baby spinach and cook until it is wilted, about 3 minutes. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
    Wilting baby spinach with garlic and onion for Spinach Pasta Sauce.
  • While the spinach rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta.
    Cooking pasta in boiling water for Spinach Pasta Sauce.
  • In a blender, combine the spinach mixture, ricotta, lemon juice, Parmesan, onion powder, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth, and season with salt and pepper. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
    Combining ricotta, Parmesan, and spinach mixture in a blender for spinach pasta sauce.
  • Toss the cooked pasta with the blended sauce in a pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese when serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 14gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 171mgFiber: 3g
Keyword Spinach Pasta Sauce
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