Creamy Greek Yogurt Pasta

Featured in: Asian-Inspired Dishes

This dish blends al dente pasta with a silky sauce made from Greek yogurt, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh spinach is gently cooked into the sauce, adding vibrant color and nutrients. The sauce comes together with a simple roux base, vegetable broth, and seasonings like nutmeg, salt, and pepper for subtle warmth. Reserved pasta water is added for smooth texture. Ideal for a quick, light, and satisfying meal with a rich yet fresh flavor profile.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:04:00 GMT
Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta with vibrant green spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, ready to serve. Save
Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta with vibrant green spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, ready to serve. | gingertaste.com

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

This creamy Greek yogurt spinach Alfredo pasta has become my go-to comfort meal when I want something rich 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 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.
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| gingertaste.com

My family gathers around the table every week to enjoy this comforting dish together.

Notes

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 steaming plate of Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, showcasing a luscious, creamy, light sauce and tender noodles. Save
A steaming plate of Creamy Greek Yogurt Spinach Alfredo Pasta, showcasing a luscious, creamy, light sauce and tender noodles. | gingertaste.com

This creamy spinach Alfredo is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes indulgent without the guilt.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Fettuccine or linguine are ideal as their flat surfaces hold onto the creamy sauce well, delivering balanced bites.

Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt in the sauce?

Yes, but add it off the heat to avoid curdling and maintain smoothness in the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Gradually add reserved pasta water while tossing the pasta to achieve a silky, well-coated consistency.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp complement the creamy spinach sauce beautifully for added protein.

Is fresh spinach better than frozen for this preparation?

Fresh spinach wilts quickly and provides brighter color and flavor, enhancing the overall dish.

Creamy Greek Yogurt Pasta

Tender pasta tossed in creamy Greek yogurt sauce with spinach and Parmesan cheese for a light meal.

Setup duration
10 min
Heat application time
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Olivia Harper

Classification Asian-Inspired Dishes

Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications 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 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 cheese
02 Freshly ground black pepper
03 Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation steps

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Add broth: Gradually pour in vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss gently to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky texture.

Phase 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Potential allergens

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains milk (butter, Parmesan, Greek yogurt) and wheat (pasta, flour).

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

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