Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach Alfredo

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz bow tie pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste; Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick Cooking Moments

I absolutely love making Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach Alfredo for a quick yet indulgent meal. The creamy Alfredo sauce combined with fresh spinach coats each bow tie so perfectly. I often find myself making this dish when I crave comfort food that's both satisfying and easy to whip up. It's a delightful way to incorporate some greens into your dinner without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight hero in my kitchen!

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:20:47.074Z

When I first made Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach Alfredo, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients transformed into something so rich and delicious. The key to a creamy sauce is gently simmering the heavy cream and mixing in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly. Add a dash of nutmeg for depth, and you’ll elevate the flavor.

Over time, I've switched up the pasta shapes, but the bow tie remains my favorite for its fun appearance and ability to hold onto the sauce. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water; it helps the sauce adhere beautifully to the pasta!

You'll Love This Recipe Because
Creamy Alfredo sauce envelops every bow tie pasta piece.
Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition without overwhelming the dish.
It comes together in just 25 minutes for a quick weekday dinner.

The Role of Spinach in Alfredo

Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and a mild, earthy flavor to the creamy Alfredo sauce. Its delicate texture complements the richness of the sauce while providing a nutritional boost. As the spinach wilts when mixed with the hot pasta and sauce, it retains some of its structure, offering a satisfying bite without becoming mushy. To achieve the best results, it's important to use fresh spinach, as frozen varieties tend to release too much moisture, diluting the sauce's creaminess.

When adding the spinach, make sure to toss it in just before serving to retain its bright color and nutrients. This quick cooking method not only enhances the dish visually but also ensures the spinach doesn't lose its fresh flavor. For a variation, consider substituting spinach with kale; just remember to chop it finely and sauté it a bit longer before adding it to the pasta to achieve a tender texture.

Achieving the Perfect Alfredo Sauce

The key to a beautiful Alfredo sauce lies in the balance of cream, cheese, and seasoning. Using heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture and richness, creating a velvety coating on the pasta. When adding cheese, freshly grated Parmesan is preferable to pre-grated options, as it melts more smoothly and offers a fresher taste. For best results, add the cheese gradually, stirring continuously to prevent it from clumping and ensuring an even distribution throughout the sauce.

If the sauce thickens too much while cooking, don’t hesitate to add the reserved pasta water. This starchy water not only thins the sauce but also helps it adhere better to the pasta. Achieving the right consistency should leave the sauce creamy but not overly thin. Keep an eye on the heat; if it's too high, you risk scorching the sauce, ruining its flavor and texture. Aim for a gentle simmer for optimal results.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Garnishing your Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach Alfredo can elevate its presentation and flavor. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan is a classic choice, but you might also consider adding a zest of lemon or a dash of red pepper flakes for a hint of brightness and spice. Pairing this dish with a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread not only rounds out the meal but also adds a refreshing crunch against the creamy pasta.

If you're looking to customize this dish further, try incorporating protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch. This addition can turn the dish into a more filling entree. If you're prepping this for a weeknight meal, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water, stirring often to avoid separation of the sauce.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach Alfredo:

Ingredients

12 oz bow tie pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Make sure to have these ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach Alfredo:

Cook the Pasta

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

Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked bow tie pasta and chopped spinach to the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired creaminess.

Serve

Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Enjoy this comforting dish as a quick weeknight meal or a delightful treat anytime!

Pro Tips

For added protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also substitute half of the heavy cream with milk for a lighter version.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Alfredo sauce turns out grainy, it could be due to adding the cheese too quickly or using pre-grated cheese. To fix this, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in a bit more cream to help smooth it out. In the future, ensure that your cheese is added gradually to maintain that creamy texture.

Another common issue is the sauce being too thick. If you find that your sauce doesn’t coat the pasta as desired, remember to use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess.

Make-Ahead Tips

While this Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach Alfredo is best enjoyed fresh, you can still prepare components ahead of time. Cook the pasta and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days prior. You can also chop the spinach and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline your cooking process during the week.

To save time, consider making an extra batch of the Alfredo sauce. It refrigerates well for up to five days and can be easily reheated. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on medium-low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or pasta water and stirring until warmed through.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. For a larger gathering, double the ingredients and make sure to use a large pot for cooking the pasta to avoid overcrowding. The sauce should be made in batches if needed, to ensure an even consistency throughout.

Conversely, if you’re cooking for one or two, halving the recipe is straightforward. Just make sure to keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary slightly with smaller portions. Adjusting the seasoning may also be necessary, so taste as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer will work, but cooking times may vary.

→ Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, just ensure you use vegetarian-friendly Parmesan.

→ Can I prepare this sauce in advance?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before adding the pasta.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.