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: Serves 4
Ingredients: 12 ounces bow tie pasta; Salt, for pasta water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cups fresh spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional)

Highlighted under: Wholesome Healthy Meals Recipes

I absolutely love making Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan whenever I crave comfort food. The combination of delicate pasta, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan creates a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests. I’ve perfected this recipe over time, ensuring that each ingredient complements the others beautifully while retaining its unique flavor. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for those busy evenings!

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-24T02:41:36.380Z

When I first tried making Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan, I was amazed at how the fresh spinach incorporated seamlessly into the rich cream sauce. The trick is to add the spinach right at the end, so it wilts perfectly without losing its vibrant color and nutrients. I love that it brings a touch of freshness to an otherwise decadent dish.

Another key to achieving the perfect creaminess is to reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to bind the sauce beautifully to the pasta, resulting in a silkier consistency. Trust me, this little step makes a significant difference!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Lusciously creamy sauce that clings to each bow tie pasta.
Bright spinach adds freshness and a pop of color.
Quick to prepare, yet feels indulgent and special.

The Importance of High-Quality Ingredients

For this Creamy Bow Tie Pasta, the choice of ingredients can make or break the dish. Using a high-quality Parmesan cheese is essential, as its flavor, texture, and melting properties directly influence the creaminess of the sauce. I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan for the best results; it melts more smoothly than pre-grated varieties, which often contain additives that can affect texture.

Fresh spinach is another key ingredient in this recipe, providing a vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor. Wilted spinach not only enhances the dish's visual appeal but also adds valuable nutrients. If you must, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can dilute the sauce.

Tips for Perfectly Coated Pasta

Achieving a perfectly creamy coating on the bow tie pasta requires attention during the combining phase. Once you toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, be sure to do this over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking and ensure the pasta absorbs the flavors. If you find the sauce is too thick and not adhering well, gradually add in the reserved pasta water; this is a surefire way to achieve that luscious, glossy finish without watering down flavors.

Another tip is to avoid overcooking the pasta. Make sure you adhere to the 'al dente' instructions on the package. This subtle bite will hold up against the creamy sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy and losing its shape once mixed.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 ounces bow tie pasta
Salt, for pasta water

For the Creamy Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Combine Ingredients

Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Serve

Divide the creamy bow tie pasta into serving bowls, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider sautéing some diced onions along with the garlic. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers of this Creamy Bow Tie Pasta, it’s important to store them properly to maintain texture. Place the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will last for about 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help reincorporate the sauce, as it may thicken when stored. Gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring continuously until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta, but be aware that creamy sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. To freeze, portion out the pasta into suitable containers and consume it within one month. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating, and add a little extra cream or milk again during the reheating process.

Variations to Try

There are plenty of ways to modify this Creamy Bow Tie Pasta recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp, stirring them in just before serving. To keep this dish vegetarian, roasted cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes would make a delightful addition, offering bursts of flavor and a sweet contrast to the creamy sauce.

If you're looking for a plant-based version, I suggest substituting heavy cream with a coconut cream or a cashew cream, and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This will provide creaminess while keeping it dairy-free without sacrificing too much flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat bow tie pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds additional fiber and nutrients while keeping the dish delicious.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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

→ What can I serve with this pasta dish?

This creamy pasta is fantastic on its own but pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.