Creamy Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach And Parmesan

Name: Creamy Bow Tie Pasta With Spinach And Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz bow tie pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Meals Ideas

I absolutely love making Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan, especially on busy weeknights when I crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The rich and creamy sauce clings to the bow tie pasta beautifully, while the fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Plus, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for quick family dinners. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-02-24T00:21:36.753Z

In my kitchen, this Creamy Bow Tie Pasta became a go-to recipe after I experimented with various greens and sauces. The combination of spinach and Parmesan not only tastes amazing but also feels wholesome. I find that using fresh spinach not only enhances the flavor but also gives a vibrant color to the dish, making it visually appealing.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can switch out the spinach for kale or add grilled chicken for added protein. The creamy sauce uses a base of cream mixed with Parmesan and a hint of garlic, which comes together beautifully. I often make this dish when I need to impress guests without spending too much time cooking!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich creamy sauce that's irresistible
Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients
Quick to prepare, making weeknight cooking a breeze

The Role of Spinach

Spinach is not just a vibrant addition to this dish; it also brings a wealth of nutrients. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, spinach complements the creamy sauce beautifully. I recommend using fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. When added to the sauce, it wilts quickly within 2-3 minutes, releasing a subtle earthy taste that balances the richness of the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

To maximize the flavor, ensure you wash the spinach thoroughly, as it can harbor dirt. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using baby spinach, which is more tender and less bitter. In a pinch, you can substitute frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before adding it to the cream sauce.

Key Technique Tips

When cooking the bow tie pasta, make sure your water is at a rolling boil before adding the pasta. This helps in preventing the pieces from sticking together. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its structure. Aim for al dente—firm to the bite but not hard—about 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand.

Sautéing the garlic is another crucial step; keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. You want it to turn golden and fragrant, which typically takes about 1 minute. If it turns brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. A gentle simmer after adding the cream is important for achieving a glossy sauce. Too high a heat can cause the cream to curdle, resulting in a grainy texture instead of the intended smoothness.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delightful pasta dish:

Ingredients

12 oz bow tie pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Make sure you have everything you need to whip up this creamy delight!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy pasta dish:

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 set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Prepare the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.

Add Spinach

Mix in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.

Serve

Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and enjoy your creamy and delicious pasta!

Enjoy your homemade creamy bow tie pasta with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or grilled chicken into the mix. You can also swap heavy cream for a lighter option such as evaporated milk.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the creamy bow tie pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, due to the cream and cheese, the texture may change slightly upon reheating. To prevent it from becoming too thick, add a splash of milk or cream when warming it up. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its creamy consistency.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you like to meal prep, you can assemble the components separately. Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance, storing them together in a container. Just add the spinach right before you heat it up for a quick weeknight meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful presentation, serve the creamy bow tie pasta garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Pair it with a light side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal. The rich flavors of the pasta also go well with crisp white wine, making it feel even more special on a weeknight.

If you want to elevate this dish further, consider adding proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms. They not only add depth but also make the meal more filling. I find that seasoned grilled chicken pairs particularly well, as its savory notes complement the creamy sauce perfectly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While bow tie pasta works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fusilli.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can use a plant-based cream alternative and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to achieve a similar flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be delicious additions and can be mixed in with the pasta.