Creamy Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach And Parmesan

Name: Creamy Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach And Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz bow tie pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Home Cooking Favorites

I love making Creamy Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach And Parmesan because it combines rich flavors and comforting textures. The bow tie pasta holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, while the fresh spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition. Preparing this dish is a breeze, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special. Plus, the aroma of garlic and Parmesan fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that I just can't resist.

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-02-24T04:02:36.516Z

When I first tried making Creamy Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach And Parmesan, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. I sautéed garlic until fragrant, which truly elevated the dish, making it taste gourmet. A splash of lemon juice at the end not only brightens the flavor but also balances the creaminess beautifully.

As I stirred in the Parmesan cheese, watching it melt into the creamy sauce was a moment of culinary magic. I discovered that adding a touch of reserved pasta water helps to achieve the perfect sauce consistency. Now, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that envelops every bow tie pasta piece
Fresh spinach for a nutritious boost and vibrant color
Quick preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights

Selecting the Right Ingredients

When making Creamy Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach and Parmesan, choosing high-quality ingredients can elevate the dish. For the pasta, opt for brand names known for their texture and flavor, especially if you're using whole grain or specialty varieties. Fresh spinach offers the best nutrition and taste, while grated Parmesan from a block melts more smoothly than pre-grated options. Keep in mind that quality cream will significantly affect the creaminess of the sauce, so select a heavy cream that is at least 36% fat.

Lemon juice adds brightness to the dish, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese. If you want to enhance the citrus flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the juice. While I love traditional Parmesan, experimenting with Pecorino Romano can give an intriguing twist due to its sharper flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, unsweetened cashew cream can be blended and used as a substitute for heavy cream.

Technique Tips for Perfect Pasta

Cooking the bow tie pasta just right is crucial. Make sure to use a large pot and bring the water to a vigorous boil before adding the pasta. This helps ensure it cooks evenly and prevents sticking. Stir occasionally during cooking, and taste the pasta a minute or two before the package time ends, aiming for that perfect al dente texture—firm to the bite. Remember to reserve that cup of pasta water; it’s essential for adjusting the consistency of your sauce later.

When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it; cooking it for too long can lead to bitterness. You want it to be fragrant and slightly golden, which usually takes 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Once you add the spinach, look for it to wilt down significantly, becoming vibrant and bright rather than overly wilted. This helps retain its color and nutrients, ensuring the final dish is not only delicious but visually appealing.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz bow tie pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or roasted pine nuts for a crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach and Parmesan is versatile when it comes to serving. I love plating it with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan on top, along with a dash of freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the dish further. Add a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple mixed greens salad to balance the meal. For an extra indulgence, you can toss some cooked chicken or shrimp into the pasta for added protein.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider drizzling a homemade or store-bought pesto over the pasta before serving. The nutty flavors of pesto complement the creamy sauce beautifully. Furthermore, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the overall taste and presentation. Make sure to add these garnishes just before serving to keep their flavors fresh and vibrant!

Storage and Reheating Tips

This creamy pasta dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, be mindful that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, making it slightly drier upon reheating. To combat this, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more cream when reheating to restore its creamy consistency. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, consider assembling the pasta and sauce but keep them separate until closer to serving. This way, you can keep the pasta from becoming mushy. Additionally, for meal preppers, this recipe can be easily scaled up, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week, whether for lunch or dinner.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, but shorter shapes like penne or fusilli will hold the sauce well.

→ How can I make this recipe lighter?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter option.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before mixing with the pasta.

→ Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure the Parmesan cheese is rennet-free if you want it to be fully vegetarian.