Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach

Featured in: Home Comforts

This dish features al dente pasta enveloped in a smooth, creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh baby spinach is stirred in just until wilted, adding vibrant color and nutrition. The sauce is gently thickened with a flour-based roux and enriched with vegetable broth for depth of flavor. Finished with a touch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper, the pasta maintains a delicate balance of richness and freshness, perfect for a quick and wholesome meal.

Preparation involves cooking pasta until tender, creating a flavorful roux, gradually blending in broth and yogurt to achieve a luscious texture, and gently combining spinach and cheese. Served warm with extra Parmesan and freshly ground pepper, this comforting dish is ideal for those seeking a satisfying yet lighter option.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:20:00 GMT
Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta with vibrant green spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Save
Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta with vibrant green spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. | snacksplat.com

A luscious, lighter twist on classic Alfredo, featuring tender pasta tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite thanks to its creamy texture and ease of preparation.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or linguine
  • Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 480 ml (2 cups) low-sodium vegetable broth, 120 g (½ cup) plain Greek yogurt (whole milk preferred), 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 120 g (4 cups) baby spinach roughly chopped, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan for serving, Freshly ground black pepper, Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (½ cup) pasta water then drain and set aside.
Step 2:
While the pasta cooks melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Sprinkle in the flour and cook whisking constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 4:
Gradually pour in the vegetable broth whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5:
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in the Greek yogurt Parmesan salt pepper and nutmeg (if using) until smooth and creamy.
Step 6:
Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes stirring until wilted.
Step 7:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed for a silky sauce.
Step 8:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan black pepper and parsley if desired.
Tender fettuccine coated in creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, ready for a delicious meal. Save
Tender fettuccine coated in creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, ready for a delicious meal. | snacksplat.com

This dish always brings joy at family dinners and is a great way to sneak in veggies.

Required Tools

Large pot Large skillet Whisk Measuring cups and spoons Colander

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (butter Parmesan Greek yogurt) Wheat (pasta flour) Check all labels for vegetarian compliance and potential traces of allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 390 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 55 g Protein 19 g per serving

A steaming bowl of Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and pepper. Save
A steaming bowl of Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and pepper. | snacksplat.com

Simple adjustments make this recipe versatile and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Recipe Guide

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine or linguine work best for holding the creamy sauce, but any long pasta like spaghetti or even penne can be used.

How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?

Whisk the Greek yogurt in off the heat and add it slowly to the warm sauce, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth texture.

Can I substitute spinach with other greens?

Absolutely. Baby kale or Swiss chard can be used; just adjust cooking time until the greens are tender but still vibrant.

What can I add for extra protein?

Grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp complement the creamy pasta beautifully and boost protein content.

Is there a good wine pairing for this dish?

A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light sparkling water with lemon pairs nicely to balance the creamy flavors.

Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach

Tender pasta tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach.

Prep duration
10 min
Kitchen time
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Katie Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free

What you'll need

Pasta

01 12 oz fettuccine or linguine

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
05 ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk preferred)
06 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
08 ½ teaspoon salt
09 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
10 ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

Garnish

01 Extra grated Parmesan, for serving
02 Freshly ground black pepper
03 Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Method

Step 01

Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 02

Sauté garlic: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Make roux: Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 04

Add broth: Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 05

Incorporate dairy and seasoning: Lower heat and whisk in Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy.

Step 06

Wilt spinach: Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.

Step 07

Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water gradually for desired sauce consistency.

Step 08

Season and serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and parsley as desired.

Kitchen tools

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains milk (butter, Parmesan, Greek yogurt) and wheat (pasta, flour).

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 19 g