As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Indulge in a velvety bowl of white sauce pasta featuring sweet roasted garlic, fresh spinach leaves, and plenty of comforting flavors. This creamy dish has just the right balance of rich sauce and hearty vegetables, perfect for everything from a quick weeknight meal to a special occasion dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne or fusilli work great)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 head of garlic, roasted and mashed
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A drizzle of olive oil for roasting garlic
Instructions
To begin, roast your garlic. Slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle it with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Bake in a 400°F oven for about 30 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden. Let it cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of its papery shell and lightly mash it with a fork.
In a medium pot, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Next, make the sauce in a large skillet or saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Continue whisking for about a minute, allowing the mixture to bubble gently without browning. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the roasted garlic, chopped spinach, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like. Season with salt and pepper.
Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens. Add the Parmesan cheese and whisk until it melts in smoothly. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finally, add your cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Top each serving with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
This creamy Roasted Garlic & Spinach White Sauce Pasta is perfect for busy home cooks who want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. You can easily switch up the greens with kale or broccoli, or use gluten-free pasta depending on your dietary needs. The roasted garlic adds sweetness and depth, while the spinach keeps it feeling fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself, this simple yet indulgent dish is guaranteed to satisfy.
