Simple Homemade Creamy Spinach Alfredo with Penne Pasta

Ingredients

• •12 oz penne pasta
• •2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• •2 cloves garlic, minced
• •1 cup heavy cream
• •1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• •1/2 teaspoon salt
• •1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• •4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• •1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
• •Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. 2

   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. 3

   Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

4. 4

   Turn the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. 5

   Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted.

6. 6

   If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

7. 7

   Toss the cooked penne pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.

8. 8

   Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.