Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach

Featured in: Slow Cozy Dinners

This dish features tender pasta enveloped in a silky, creamy sauce made by blending Greek yogurt with Parmesan, butter, and a hint of garlic. Fresh spinach is stirred in and lightly cooked for added color, texture, and nutrients. The sauce is thickened with vegetable broth and flour to create a luscious coating that clings to each strand of pasta. Simple steps ensure a delicate balance of richness and freshness in under 30 minutes.

Optional seasoning like nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper deepen the flavor, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley adds a final touch. This approachable Italian-American plate offers a wholesome, vegetarian-friendly take on classic Alfredo with lower fat and vibrant greens.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:38:00 GMT
Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta with vibrant spinach and Parmesan, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta with vibrant spinach and Parmesan, ready to serve. | savoringli.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 is a family favorite because it combines comfort with healthfulness perfectly.

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

Cook Pasta:
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.
Sauté Garlic:
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make Roux:
Sprinkle in the flour and cook whisking constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
Add Broth:
Gradually pour in the vegetable broth whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Dairy:
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in the Greek yogurt Parmesan salt pepper and nutmeg (if using) until smooth and creamy.
Cook Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach and cook for 1 2 minutes stirring until wilted.
Toss Pasta:
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.
Serve:
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, garnished with fresh parsley. Save to Pinterest
Tender fettuccine coated in creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, garnished with fresh parsley. | savoringli.com

My kids always ask for seconds when I make this pasta; it's never left on the plate.

Notes

For extra protein add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Pairs well with a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.

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.

A warm bowl of Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, a healthier comfort food favorite beautifully plated. Save to Pinterest
A warm bowl of Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, a healthier comfort food favorite beautifully plated. | savoringli.com

This lighter Alfredo pasta brings comfort without heaviness and is sure to impress your guests.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Fettuccine or linguine are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well, but any long pasta can be used.

Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt without affecting texture?

Yes, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

How do I keep the spinach fresh and vibrant?

Stir in the chopped spinach towards the end of cooking and sauté briefly until just wilted.

What can I add for extra protein?

Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp complement the dish well without overpowering its delicate flavors.

How does the pasta water help the sauce?

Reserved pasta water is added gradually to loosen and emulsify the sauce, enhancing its silkiness and coat.

Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach

Pasta tossed in rich Greek yogurt sauce enhanced with spinach and Parmesan for an easy, flavorful meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by savoringli Lila Anderson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-American

Makes 4 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Prepare Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Form Roux: Sprinkle flour into the skillet and whisk constantly 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 slightly thickened.

Step 05

Incorporate Dairy and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low, then whisk in Greek yogurt, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy.

Step 06

Wilt Spinach: Add chopped spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until wilted.

Step 07

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to skillet, toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky consistency.

Step 08

Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and parsley if desired.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. If unsure, check with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk (butter, Parmesan, Greek yogurt) and wheat (pasta, flour). Verify vegetarian compliance and check for traces of allergens.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Serves for general info – not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 390
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 19 g