Creamy Spinach and Mascarpone Fettuccine Delight
Indulge in this creamy and comforting fettuccine dish featuring fresh spinach and rich mascarpone cheese. This delightful recipe transforms simple pasta into a gourmet meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With the gentle warmth of garlic and a hint of nutmeg, this dish is both luxurious and satisfying. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or your favorite garlic bread for a complete dining experience. Share with family and friends and elevate your pasta game!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
fettuccine pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
butter
2 teaspoons (for cooking)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and sliced)
nutmeg
1 pinch (ground)
fresh spinach
14 ounces (washed and finely sliced)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (for sauce)
mascarpone cheese
5 ounces (for sauce)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (for sauce and garnish)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta.
2
In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add butter, sliced garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
3
Add the washed and finely sliced spinach to the skillet. Sauté the spinach for approximately 5 minutes, or until it is wilted. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
4
Pour in the heavy cream and add the mascarpone cheese, stirring until smooth. Mix in a ladleful of the reserved pasta cooking water to create a creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5
Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the spinach sauce, tossing well to coat the pasta thoroughly. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and add more reserved cooking water if necessary, until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning one last time before serving. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and Mascarpone Fettuccine Delight?
It is a rich and comforting pasta dish that combines tender fettuccine with fresh spinach and a velvety sauce made from mascarpone cheese and heavy cream.
Can I use a different type of pasta besides fettuccine?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other long pasta like linguine or tagliatelle, or even short shapes like penne or fusilli.
What is mascarpone cheese?
Mascarpone is a thick, mild, and creamy Italian cheese made from cream, often used in both sweet and savory dishes for its rich texture.
Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?
Yes, you can use cream cheese as a substitute, though it will have a slightly tangier flavor compared to the buttery mildness of mascarpone.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but ensure it is completely thawed and squeezed dry to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Why do I need to reserve the pasta cooking water?
The starchy pasta water helps to emulsify the mascarpone and cream, creating a silky and smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic over medium heat for only 1-2 minutes until fragrant; do not let it turn dark brown as it will become bitter.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish products.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely; grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or sliced Italian sausage would all make excellent additions to this creamy pasta.
What does the nutmeg do in this recipe?
A pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth that beautifully complements the cream and earthy flavors of the spinach.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat this pasta?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, as cream-based sauces can thicken when cold.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich than the original version.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is a mild dish. If you prefer heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
What should I serve as a side dish?
A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette or toasted garlic bread are classic pairings that balance the richness of the pasta.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
The pasta should be firm to the bite; usually this is 1-2 minutes less than the full cooking time listed on the package.
Can I use baby spinach?
Yes, baby spinach is a great choice and does not need to be sliced as finely as regular mature spinach.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free fettuccine or pasta alternative.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, use plant-based pasta, vegan butter, a vegan cream substitute, and vegan almond-based mascarpone and parmesan.
Why use both olive oil and butter?
The oil prevents the butter from burning quickly, while the butter provides a rich, savory flavor base for the sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on 1 lb of pasta, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas would work wonderfully in this dish.
Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
Freshly grated parmesan is recommended because it melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-clumping agents.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream and mascarpone sauce can separate and change texture once thawed.
How do I wash the spinach?
Submerge the spinach in cold water to let any grit sink to the bottom, then lift the leaves out and dry them thoroughly.
Is it okay to use dried spinach?
Dried spinach is not a suitable substitute for fresh in this recipe as the texture and volume would be completely different.
What if the sauce is too thick?
Simply stir in a little more of the reserved pasta water or a splash of cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Does the spinach need to be cooked long?
No, it only takes about 5 minutes to wilt. Overcooking will cause it to lose its vibrant color.
Can I add lemon juice?
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can add a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its gourmet appearance and luxurious flavor make it a fantastic and impressive choice for entertaining guests.