Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Recipe

Are you looking for a delightful pasta dish that departs from the typical red sauce or pesto? This spaghetti with creamy spinach and tarragon recipe might just be the answer. It's a perfect blend of comfort food and luxurious dining, combining the earthy flavors of spinach and tarragon with a luscious cream cheese sauce. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese brings a savory note to this rich, creamy pasta.

Photos of Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Recipe

Tarragon might not be a staple in your pantry, but it's worth seeking out for this recipe. It's a delicate, aromatic herb with a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with creamy dishes. It's often available fresh, but dried tarragon can work as a substitute if necessary. Similarly, scallions (also known as green onions) offer a delicate onion flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients.

Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Ingredients

Spinach: This leafy green brings a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.

Butter: It creates a silky base for our sauce and helps to soften and flavor the scallions and tarragon.

Scallions: Also known as green onions, they add a mild, sweet onion flavor.

Tarragon: This herb adds a unique, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Spaghetti: Serves as the base of our dish, but you can substitute with any pasta of your choice.

Cream cheese: Gives the sauce a thick, creamy texture and a subtly tangy flavor.

Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note to the dish and a pop of green color.

Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory, umami flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess of the sauce.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the flavor of the dish.

One reader, Alisander Carlos says:

This spaghetti with creamy spinach and tarragon recipe is a game-changer! The creamy spinach and tarragon sauce is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dish is so easy to make. It's become a family favorite in our house!

Alisander Carlos

Key Techniques for Making Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon

How to wilt spinach: Remove any tough stems from the spinach and cook in a large frying pan with butter, scallions, tarragon, and salt until wilted.

How to cook spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water for about 12 minutes until just done.

How to make the creamy spinach sauce: In a large pot, toss the drained spaghetti with reserved pasta water, the wilted spinach mixture, cream cheese, parsley, parmesan, and pepper. Adjust the consistency with more reserved pasta water if needed.

How To Make Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon

Savor a bite of this delectable spaghetti dish with a smooth and creamy spinach sauce made with tarragon, cream cheese, parmesan, spiced with parsley.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

10ozspinach,prewashed
2tbspbutter
3scallions,green tops included
1½tsptarragon,dried
¾tspsalt
¾lbspaghetti
5ozcream cheese
2tbspfresh parsley,chopped
¼cupparmesan cheese,grated
½tspfresh ground black pepper

Instructions

Remove any tough stems from the spinach.
In a large frying pan, melt the butter over moderately low heat.
Add the scallions and tarragon, and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the spinach and salt, and stir until wilted.
Simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid evaporates from the spinach.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the spaghetti for about 12 minutes until just done.
Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
Drain the spaghetti and toss with ¾ cup of the reserved pasta water, the spinach mixture, the cream cheese, parsley, parmesan, and pepper
If the sauce seems too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water.

Recipe Notes

Wine Recommendation: Chenin blanc grapes make a wine that is fruity but bursting with acidity is an excellent match for tarragon. Try either a bottle of Vouvray from France or one of chenin blanc from California.

Nutrition

Calories: 546.48kcal
Fat: 21.92g
Saturated Fat: 12.31g
Trans Fat: 0.23g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.41g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.40g
Carbohydrates: 69.16g
Fiber: 4.75g
Sugar: 4.07g
Protein: 18.97g
Cholesterol: 60.57mg
Sodium: 515.28mg
Calcium: 250.51mg
Potassium: 700.16mg
Iron: 3.66mg
Vitamin A: 544.28µg
Vitamin C: 24.71mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon

When preparing the spinach, ensure that it is thoroughly washed to remove any dirt or grit. Spinach tends to hold onto dirt in its crevices, so it's important to rinse it under running water or soak it in a bowl of water, swishing it around to dislodge any debris. After washing, pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. This will prevent your dish from becoming watered down and will allow the spinach to wilt properly when cooked.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Pasta

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to cook. This will save time and make the cooking process smoother.

One-pot wonders: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to easily find ingredients and utensils, saving time and reducing stress during cooking.

Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you understand the steps and have all the necessary ingredients and tools.

Substitute Ingredients For Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Recipe

spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and can provide a slightly earthier flavor to the dish.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a different depth of flavor and a healthier fat option.
scallions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a similar mild onion flavor and can be a good substitute for scallions.
tarragon - Substitute with dill: Dill can provide a similar fresh and slightly anise-like flavor to the dish.
spaghetti - Substitute with linguine: Linguine has a similar texture and shape, making it a suitable substitute for spaghetti.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese can provide a similar creamy texture and a slightly different flavor profile.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino cheese: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to Parmesan and can be a good substitute.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder and slightly different flavor compared to black pepper.

How to Beautifully Present This Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Spaghetti

Elevate the plating: Carefully twirl the spaghetti into a neat mound in the center of the plate, ensuring it is not too high or too flat. This creates an inviting base for the creamy spinach and tarragon to rest upon.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top of the dish, allowing it to cascade elegantly down the sides of the spaghetti. This adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the visual appeal.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Consider adding a few fresh tarragon leaves as a final garnish. The bright green hues will contrast beautifully with the creamy spinach, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Utilize elegant dinnerware: Select a pristine, white, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. The simplicity of the bowl will allow the spaghetti with creamy spinach and tarragon to take center stage.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of the elements on the plate, ensuring that each component is thoughtfully arranged to create a harmonious and visually appealing composition.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon

Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, simmering, and cooking large quantities of food.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining liquids from food.
Pasta water: The water used for boiling pasta, which is reserved and added to sauces to adjust consistency and flavor.
Grater: A kitchen tool used to grate foods like cheese, vegetables, and spices into fine pieces.
Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting and preparing food.
Measuring cup: A tool used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients.
Strainer: A kitchen tool with a mesh or perforated surface used for straining liquids and separating solids from liquids.
Cheese grater: A tool specifically designed for grating cheese into fine pieces.
Pasta fork: A fork with long, sturdy tines used for serving and tossing pasta.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon

Let the spaghetti cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This prevents the noodles from becoming soggy and the sauce from separating.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled spaghetti in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the spaghetti:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Squeeze out any excess air from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen spaghetti will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated spaghetti, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
For frozen spaghetti, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen:
- If thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated spaghetti.
- To reheat from frozen, place the frozen portion in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high power, stirring every 1-2 minutes, until heated through. Alternatively, you can place the frozen spaghetti in a saucepan with a splash of water or milk and heat it over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
When reheating, be sure to heat the spaghetti until it's steaming hot throughout to ensure food safety. Add a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese and a dash of black pepper to refresh the flavors before serving.

How to Reheat Leftover Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Spaghetti

Reheat the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Drain well and set aside.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt a knob of butter over medium heat. Add the leftover creamy spinach and tarragon sauce and stir gently to reheat.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Once the sauce is heated through and at your desired consistency, add the reheated spaghetti to the pan. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
If you prefer a creamier texture, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese and toss until melted and combined.
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or tarragon over the top before serving.
Alternatively, you can reheat the spaghetti and sauce together in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
If you have any leftover spinach or scallions, consider sautéing them briefly in a pan with a little olive oil and adding them to the reheated dish for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Interesting Fact About Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. It's a great addition to any dish for a healthy boost!

Is Making This Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Spaghetti Cost-Effective?

This spaghetti with creamy spinach and tarragon recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible. Spinach and pasta are budget-friendly staples, while cream cheese and parmesan add richness without breaking the bank. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and economical option for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a wallet-friendly choice.

Is This Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Pasta Healthy or Unhealthy?

This spaghetti with creamy spinach and tarragon recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, spinach is a nutrient-dense ingredient, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Scallions and parsley also offer some nutritional benefits. However, the recipe's healthiness is compromised by the use of butter, cream cheese, and parmesan, which are high in saturated fat and calories. While the dish provides some essential nutrients, it may not be the most balanced option.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil
Opt for low-fat cream cheese or replace it with a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk for a creamy texture with less fat and more protein
Decrease the amount of parmesan cheese or use a low-fat variety
Increase the proportion of spinach to pasta to boost the dish's nutrient content
Add more vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, to enhance the flavor and nutritional value
Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber and complex carbohydrates

Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Spaghetti Recipe

This recipe for spaghetti with creamy spinach and tarragon is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy spinach sauce is rich and flavorful, while the tarragon adds a subtle hint of licorice-like aroma. The addition of cream cheese and parmesan creates a luscious and indulgent sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully. The dish is well-balanced and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a comforting and delicious meal.

Enhance Your Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Create a flavorful garlic bread with a crispy crust and soft, buttery center to complement the creamy spinach and tarragon spaghetti.

Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, seasoned with herbs and olive oil for a vibrant and nutritious side dish.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Skewer tender pieces of marinated chicken and grill them to perfection, adding a smoky and savory element to accompany the creamy spinach and tarragon spaghetti.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Pasta

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the creamy texture of the risotto make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: This honey mustard glazed salmon is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs perfectly with the rich and flaky salmon, creating a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress.

Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad: This grilled peach and burrata salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer day. The sweet and smoky flavor of the grilled peaches pairs perfectly with the creamy burrata cheese, creating a delicious and elegant salad that is sure to impress.

Butternut Squash Soup with Sage Croutons: This butternut squash soup with sage croutons is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The creamy texture of the soup combined with the crispy sage croutons make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Pair with Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal. Filled with a delicious mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, they are sure to impress your guests.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: These crispy zucchini fritters are a delightful way to start any meal. The combination of shredded zucchini, herbs, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that will leave your guests wanting more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Each spoonful offers a burst of fruity goodness, making it a perfect light and refreshing dessert.

Why trust this Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any pasta enthusiast. The freshness of spinach and the aromatic essence of tarragon create a vibrant and wholesome dish. The addition of cream cheese lends a rich and creamy texture, while the parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. The use of scallions and fresh parsley enhances the overall freshness and aroma. With its simple yet elegant preparation, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience.

Want to share your experience making this Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Tarragon Recipe or discuss variations and tips? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter or olive oil. Additionally, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese and parmesan cheese to maintain the creamy texture and flavor without using any animal products.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach in this recipe. Make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach before using it in the recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen spinach tends to cook faster than fresh spinach.

Is there a substitute for tarragon if I don't have it on hand?

If you don't have tarragon, you can substitute it with other herbs such as dill, basil, or marjoram. Each herb will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment and use your favorite herb as a substitute.

Can I prepare the creamy spinach and tarragon sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the creamy spinach and tarragon sauce ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop and toss it with freshly cooked spaghetti.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free spaghetti or any other gluten-free pasta of your choice. Additionally, ensure that the cream cheese and parmesan cheese you use are certified gluten-free. By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this creamy spinach and tarragon spaghetti.