Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Flames

This dish features fettuccine or linguine coated in a smooth and creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and gently wilted spinach. Garlic and butter are sautéed to form a flavorful base, thickened with a roux and vegetable broth. The sauce is combined with the pasta and finished with seasoning and optional garnishes like parsley and extra cheese. It offers a rich, yet lighter alternative to traditional creamy pasta dishes, with the option to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:54:00 GMT
Steaming Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, glistening with Parmesan and ready to serve. Save
Steaming Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, glistening with Parmesan and ready to serve. | fireandbites.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 favorite in our house when I wanted something comforting yet not too heavy.

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&ndash3 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&ndash2 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
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Preparing this pasta always brings my family around the table with smiles and empty plates.

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

Fresh spinach highlights this comforting Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, cooked until perfectly tender. Save
Fresh spinach highlights this comforting Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, cooked until perfectly tender. | fireandbites.com

This creamy Greek yogurt spinach Alfredo is sure to become a staple for weeknight dinners.

Common Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine or linguine are recommended, but other long pasta like spaghetti or penne can be used as well.

How do I prevent the Greek yogurt from curdling?

Stir the Greek yogurt in off the heat and use low heat to combine it gently with the sauce.

Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?

Whole wheat pasta can be used for added fiber, and low-fat Greek yogurt is a lighter option; just adjust cooking to maintain creaminess.

What can I serve with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon pairs nicely.

Is it possible to add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp can be added for extra protein without altering the creamy texture.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

The total cooking and preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and flavorful meal.

Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach

Pasta coated in a creamy Greek yogurt sauce with spinach and Parmesan, ready in 30 minutes.

Setup Duration
10 min
Time at Heat
20 min
Complete Duration
30 min
Created by Logan Hayes


Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background Italian-American

Output 4 Portion Count

Special Diet Info 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 Steps

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Add flour: Sprinkle flour into the skillet and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux.

Phase 04

Incorporate broth: Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, bringing mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Phase 05

Add dairy and seasoning: Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Greek yogurt, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired sauce consistency.

Phase 08

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

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

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

Dietary Information (Single Portion)

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