Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This dish features tender fettuccine or linguine enveloped in a luscious sauce made from Greek yogurt, buttery garlic, and Parmesan, enriched with fresh baby spinach for added flavor and nutrition. The sauce balances creaminess with a subtle tang from the yogurt, enhanced by aromatics and gentle seasoning. It's quick to prepare, perfect for a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and light.

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then create a smooth, savory sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, adding flour to thicken, and incorporating vegetable broth. Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan until creamy, then wilt fresh spinach. Toss the pasta in this sauce, adjusting texture with reserved pasta water as needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for a bright finish.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:15:00 GMT
Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta with vibrant green spinach and grated Parmesan, ready to enjoy. Save
Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta with vibrant green spinach and grated Parmesan, ready to enjoy. | toastytongs.com

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

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.
A close-up shot of Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, a comforting vegetarian meal perfect for dinner. Save
A close-up shot of Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, a comforting vegetarian meal perfect for dinner. | toastytongs.com

Required Tools

Large pot Large skillet Whisk Measuring cups and spoons Colander

Notes

For extra protein, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Use low fat Greek yogurt for a lighter option but ensure it is stirred in off the heat to prevent curdling. Pairs well with a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 390 Total Fat: 11 g Carbohydrates: 55 g Protein: 19 g

Warm, creamy bowl of Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, smelling of garlic and fresh herbs. Save
Warm, creamy bowl of Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, smelling of garlic and fresh herbs. | toastytongs.com

Recipe FAQ

Can I use different pasta types?

Yes, fettuccine or linguine work best, but other long noodles like spaghetti or penne can be used depending on preference.

How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?

Stir the Greek yogurt into the sauce off the heat and ensure gentle, low heat cooking once it’s added.

Is it possible to add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp pairs well and can be added to increase protein content.

What can I substitute for butter if needed?

Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative for sautéing the garlic and making the roux.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve sauce texture.

Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach

Tender pasta coated in a creamy sauce with Greek yogurt, spinach, and Parmesan for a light twist.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

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 1/2 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
06 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

Garnish

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

Directions

Phase 01

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Make roux: Sprinkle flour into the skillet and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.

Phase 04

Add broth: Gradually pour in vegetable broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Phase 05

Incorporate dairy and seasoning: Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until smooth and creamy.

Phase 06

Wilt spinach: Add chopped spinach to the sauce and cook, stirring, 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 incrementally to achieve a silky consistency.

Phase 08

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (butter, Parmesan, Greek yogurt) and wheat (pasta, flour). Check labels for vegetarian compliance and allergen traces.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 19 g