Spinach Alfredo Sauce (Better than Olive Garden®)

A very quick and easy Alfredo sauce, was a tad thin for my liking, so I added in more cream cheese and a bit more Parmesan to thicken it up. I used fresh spinach and it worked fine, cooked down nicely, you need a lot, I used the whole 9 ounce bag of it. We grilled chicken and cut it into bite sized pieces and served it all over fettuccine noodles. Was a great meal, better than Olive Garden.

One of the reasons why some had said that the sauce was a little thin, was because they used frozen spinach right out of thepackage without draining it. If you use frozen spinach, make sure that you SQEEZE the spinach to get all the extra water out of it. Frozen spinach is loaded with water that it will thin the sauce noticably. Enjoy!

Outstanding! My family loved this recipe. I used fresh spinach (because that was all I had) and added 1\2 of a huge mushroom I had leftover from another recipe. When I make this again, I will probably use fresh spinach and mushrooms again. I only had 6 oz of heavy cream and topped off the measuring cup with milk. I used a couple spoonfuls of potato flakes as a thickener (could not taste potato in the finished product.) I only mention this in case someone else finds themselves short on cream or frozen spinach. ??

Excellent! I used half the amount of spinach & it was still thick & fabulous! I also made half batch without spinach & that was very thin, still tasty just thin. Made for "thebuzz" Recipe Group 9/3/13.

Loved it. Followed the recipe with a couple of exceptions. I used the entire box (10 oz) of frozen chopped spinach used fresh garlic and 1-1/2 cups of shredded Parmesan. Came out thick and creamy. Will definetly make this again

Oh My WOW! This is most definitely better than Olive Garden or any other Alfredo sauce I've eaten. My 6 year old is the pickiest eater when it comes to pasta dishes and asked if we could have this again tomorrow night! I cut the butter down to 1/4 cup, used 1/2 to 3/4 of a block of cream cheese (store brand 1/3 less fat version) because of other reviewers stating that the sauce had been too thin, and I didn't use spinach for my first try. Served it over 3 cheese tortellini with chopped chicken and I will definitely be trying it again!

Perfect way to get my little guy to eat spinach! This is a delicious creamy alfredo recipe that will be a keeper in my house. Went perfect with a salad and breadsticks.

Made this for Recipe Group. I've never made alfredo before. I used a 10 oz package of spinach (didn't know what else to do with the small remaining amount). Also I used half and half just because I didn't have heavy cream in the fridge. Mine tasted good but was a bit watery, probably because of my changes. So, I added the remainder of the 8 oz package of cream cheese; that helped. Also, I wasn't sure if I was supposed to squeeze out all the water from the thawed spinach. I didn't do that- wasn't sure if it needed some water to "cook" in. Next time I would press the water out.

Recipe Group Selection 8/31/2013 - Let me just say, thank goodness I have a gym membership. I used the full 10 oz. package of chopped spinach which ended up being about 1 cup of chopped spinach. It was very good and everyone enjoyed it but it's not something I would make too often.

For a thicker sauce just use 3-4 tablespoons of cream cheese and 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of half and half (or heavy whipping cream). I do not use the butter, and I think it helps keep the sauce from running too thin (plus it's healthier). As I stir the cooked pasta, spinach & garlic, and the cream cheese, I splash half-half along the way to make sure my sauce doesn't get too thin. If it does get too thin, you can simmer it down by turning the heat on high and adding more cream cheese. Hope that helps :)

I like to add a pinch or two of nutmeg to creamed pastas, as well to spinach dishes.

I thought this was just ok. Thinner than I expected and almost too salty; for all those calories, I wanted perfection. I did add red pepper flakes at the end and that perked up the flavor. There was a ton leftover, so maybe it'll taste better the second time around.

I used fresh spinach and 2 minced garlic cloves, other than that, I followed the recipe as written. I tossed the sauce with rigatoni pasta and topped it off with slices of grilled chicken breasts. Delicious!

This sauce was a great base. Saute a 1/2 cup onion and red pepper in butter with 1 tsp Italian seasoning and 1 Tablespoon chopped garlic. Make sure the spinach is hand squeezed out the get out the excess moisture. Cut butter in half net time as it was swimming in butter and we are a butter loving family.

Made this for Recipe Group...I LOVE alfredo, and this was a great one! I used a bit more cream cheese and fresh spinach. I really liked the addition of the spinach for something different. I also liked that this wasn't quite as heavy as the usual alfredo. I will be making this again~YUM! Thanks for sharing. :)

This is a very quick and forgiving sauce. I had less than the needed amount of cream, so I added just a little more cream cheese. I also used some fresh spinach I had frozen for smoothies. I just followed the general instructions, added some left-over turkey breast from the night before, and served it over pasta for my husband and zucchini noodles for me. Delicious!

This sauce was delicious; did not change a thing

What a great (and easy!) recipe. I served it as a side dish with chicken and ribs for 12 and everybody raved. I followed the recipe as written but added one ingredient. On the diagonal I cut carrot slices about 1/8 inch thick and pan seared with olive oil until crisp tender and then added to the recipe. It really complimented the spinach and cheese. Thanks for a great recipe. As many others have said, "It's a keeper". Thanks for a wonderful recipe. Debbie

Easy and delish! There's no beating that combo!

this is really good. will do it again.

This was ok, but be sure to squeeze your frozen, thawed spinach until all most dry, otherwise your sauce will be thinner.

Yummy and easy! Pulled this together last minute when I realized I forgot to buy pasta sauce. My only sub was 2% milk for cream, because thats all I had but my family still loved it.

This was really simple to make and it was delicious! I added some lobster ravioli, WOW!

I used the portion calculator and made it for 2. I used some sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach. I also used goat cheese instead of cream cheese. We enjoyed it more than any other aflredo we have eaten anywhere. Delicious

I did not make any change, and I will make it again and again!

It was delicious! Used about 8 ounces of fresh spinach instead of the frozen and it turned out great!

This was a very simple recipe, which is a major plus. However, as others have said, it is very thin. I ended up adding another ounce of cream cheese and a bit more spinach (because I love it!). It goes just fine with grilled chicken added. This recipe doesn't have much flavor, but a little bit of salt and pepper, fresh parsley, and shredded Parmesan on top goes a long way.

Your recipe is pretty good! I basically add the same ingredients except the "cream cheese" due to the fat content but I suppose you could use low fat neufchatel instead. There are a couple things I do to maximize flavor; I prepare the chicken ahead of time, pierce it before marinating it in my tri-citrus marinade overnight using pineapple juice, slash of lemon & lime and even some orange juice with diced onion, green onion, red peppers, paprika, garlic and a bunch of other stuff (lol...salt, pepper..that sort of thing) to make it flavorful, juicy & tender....baste it while I bake it...Now you may think citrus chicken would clash with the alfredo sauce but it doesn't because it just adds a nice juiciness & flavor to it...then I tear it and toss it in with cooked homemade spaghetti (into which I have incorporated a little extra flavor by way of a pinch of salt, some parsley & garlic for push in flavor); then I added a heaping tbsp of my secret French ingredient...that's right...le mayonnaise! I throw in some mozzarella & parmesan cheese...Gives it another little boost (not too much mayo so that you can identify as an ingredient..just enough for flavor)! It turned out pretty good!! Thanks for sharing!

This was very easy and delicious, no modifications necessary. Even my picky kids ate it all!

Probably the best recipe I've found on this site. I used half and half instead of heavy whipping cream, and used a whole box of cream cheese. HIGHLY recommend these modifications!

We ate it and liked it ok. It didn't have a very firm flavor though, and it didn't have enough of the sauce/spinach mixture to cover the pasta well. I'll use the recipe again, but only as a base.

I happened to have some variegated colored rotini and I made this as written. My husband eyed it suspiciously, then proceeded to eat two bowls! Very nice, different pasta dish

My daughter enjoyed these very much! Simple to make. I used fresh spinach and I think I used 1 1/2 heavy cream (threw away my notes) and kept everything the same.

I doubled it and used a whole bag of fresh spinach. I also added extra cream cheese to make it creamer and thicker. It was excellent!

Followed the recipe with the exception of substituting the heavy whipping cream for the half and half and I used fresh spinach. It was simple, delicious and easy to make. I will be making this again. Thanks for the recipe.

nope. no changes

Say no to frozen spinach, too watery. Also use 1-1/2 cups of good quality (i.e. fresh) parmesan cheese. Add a little at a time and stir constantly. That will get it thicker for you.

One of the BEST alfredo sauces I've ever had. My husband doesn't care for spinach and he LOVED it!

Delicious recipe, just be sure to squeeze the water from the frozen spinach before putting spinach in the sauce. I think this recipe is a great base recipe and anything is possible with it!

I arranged a bit. add bacon and used regular spaghetti. maybe next time I'll try use fresh garlic and also some sliced mushroom. Anyway, this is a good recipe. my teenage sons love it a lot!

I didn't have any frozen spinach so I used fresh cooked broccoli, left over chicken and increased the cream cheese to 8 oz. I added 8 oz of cooked small shell pasta put it all in a small cake pan and baked for about 20 min. @ 350 followed by 3 minutes of broiling it. I think the extra cream cheese was too over powering for me, felt like it needed more seasoning. My husband loved it.

Fresh garlic and fresh spinach for a fresher, better taste!!! I also sautéed some shallot with the garlic. I probably used 4oz of cream cheese for a richer flavor. I like my sauce a little thicker, so made a loose roux out of the butter before adding the cream. I used a combination of heavy cream, half n half and milk. Definitely a keeper at our house!

My first time making home made Alfredo and this was a hit. My family absolutely loved it. I added sausage and mushrooms and seasoned to my taste but would have to conclude this we very simple to make, tastey and filling.

This was delicious. Only thing I did different was thicken it a bit at the end with a cornstarch slurry. YUMMY!

Love it, will make it again

Made this with fresh spinach ( could and should have added a little more) about a cup chopped. After letting it simmer, added in the rest of my breakfast bacon already cooked and chopped, some freshly cooked shrimp and then tossed in the fettuccini noodles and let warm. Oh man was that a good meal!

Yummy! Served over fettuccini noodles it was delicious. It would also be amazing as a dip.

It was delicious I followed instructions. My 16yr old boy just won't have spinach. He loved it went for 2nd. Thank you ??

I cut the butter to 1/4 cup and used 4 oz. cream cheese. I will definitely make this again. Also, be sure to drain the spinach.

Soooo good! I used a little less spinach the first time I made it, and let me tell you, it was not all that great. When I used the recommended amount the second time, it was so fabulous that even my picky little sister ate it. Greatest spinach recipe ever!

This is one of the best Alfredo recipies I have made. Its not super heavy like most Alfredo sauces and the spinach adds a great flavor. 100% recommend.

After reading reviews, I added 2 extra TBSP of Cream Cheese and I used a total of 2 boxes of spinach. It was a HIT with my grandchildren and family!

This was a really tasty and quick recipe. I followed the recipe but with a few changes. I used frozen spinach and substituted asiago cheese for the Parmesan. I also used more cream cheese and added fresh mushrooms and chicken. It was delicious! I will make this again!

Seriously delicious!

I used half of the cream and 2% milk in order to cut down on the fat. I would make this dish again. It was very flavorful, creamy and tasty!

Doubled the Spinach. Delicious recipe!

Was so good and easy to make!

After reading some of the comments, my fiance and I decided to add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese to thicken the sauce, but we only had Parmesan mixed with Asiago and Romano cheese which I think made the flavor a little off. However, it was very good for our first time making alfredo and we will definitely be trying it again!

Essentially followed recipe using fresh spinach, extra cream cheese and parma for thickness, a tad of ground garlic from jar, and a tad of nutmeg. Delicious and EASY!! Does not make a lot. Takes a full 16 oz of fresh spinach.

Very easy to make. I halved the recipe, used fresh spinach and added a bit of red pepper flakes. It was also a little thin for my taste so I added a little corn starch mixed with water and it ended up a great consistency. Didn't need to add any salt.

This was good, the family liked it. Next time I will probably double the spinach or even triple.

This is really yummy. The problem is it is too runny and to much oil. I used sour cream instead of the heavy cream. I ended up simmering the penne pasta in the pot to soak up some of the water. It came out the perfect consistency after it cooled. The next time I will use only one Tbsp of butter to cut the oil and maybe real garlic as there is nothing like the real thing. I also used fresh spinach which worked fine.

It was a hit with the family! Added a bit more cream cheese to thicken it up and added chicken. Next time will try mushrooms and/or olives.

A very tasteful dinner. Very easy to make. I thought the spinach flavor was excellent. I plan on making this again. My husband also enjoyed it

I just made the sauce and used it on top of a pasta dish. Delicious!

Very good alfredo sauce. I added more cream cheese and spinach. I will definitely be making this again.

Incredibly good. Yum. Added baked Costco chicken with lots of garlic. I almost forgot the noodles since they weren't on my grocery list.

It is a great recipe to follow and the taste is better than.....

This was delish. It was also very rich. I couldn't make it too often, but for a great occasional treat.

Good recipe. I followed the recipe but changed it a bit: sauted fresh mushrooms and spinach instead of frozen, substituted evaporated 2% milk instead of cream and light cream cheese. I would add a pinch of nutmeg next time and a bit more cheese. The cream cheese really adds a creamy texture, nice recipe, thanks for sharing!

I used more spinach than called for - but it was very easy and tasted wonderful.

I used more than the recommended spinach because I didn't want to waste any of the package after I defrosted it. Everyone who ate it loved it. My spinach haters unfortunately refused to try it. It was super easy to make and I will make it again.

I really liked this recipe. I think the people that had the runny sauce, probably didn't squeeze the water out of their spinach out before they began. I did wring out the excess water from the spinach, and my sauce was perfect. The only thing I did different from the original recipe was substitute ricotta for cream cheese, because I ran out, but that was it. Really yummy, and everyone in the family liked it.

It was awesome definitely tasted better than Olive Garden

if you made it with other noddles would it be fine

very good -- I use half and half cream, fresh spinach, fresh garlic( several cloves minced) - it thicken nicely and I think a chicken breast - grilled and cut up, would go well with this dish to make it heartier , but was very good as is and would make again --!

I used mascarpone cheese and fresh kale and it was AWESOME! I also used fresh garlic cloves smashed through a garlic press, but that was because I had no garlic powder and I I garlic cloves...

If I had known how easy this is, I would have always made it.

Not bad. Good in a pinch. I added more garlic and it tasted great. Will do it again.

I added minced garlic and mushrooms with the spinach... Came out great!

Great and easy! Added random left over veggies and it was great.

Super easy to make, and very delicious

Love this recipe. family favorite. I pan fry shrimp and add. I also use bow tie pasta.

Someone said people complaining that its too thin is because they used frozen spinach and didn't drain it. I used fresh spinach and its still very thin. I added truffle oil, mushrooms and 2 garlic cloves to the spinach mixture. Also added chicken and a teaspoon of crushed red peppers. Omg made it taste so amazing. Again, just too thin.

Made with peas instead of spinach, awesome that way too. Son and hubby both couldn't get enough!

Excellent!!! I did not change a thing, I cooked son boneless skinless chicken breasts and but the saucce on top and heated it in the oen with a little parm on top.... yum!!

Came out perfect just followed the tip to squeeze and drain the spinach really good and added extra garlic

Real good! I did add extra cream cheese, part, and doubled the spinach.

This is yummy! Everyone in my family agreed that it needs to be on our regular rotation. Even my son, who doesnt love spinach, ate every bite. This recipe was very quick and easy, making it a good one for us on a busy work/school night. I served it over cheese tortellini, but would put it over any pasta. My only complaint is that it's hard to make it and not think about all the calories in this dish! But that's OK once in a while. I'm sure concerned cooks could make some modifications to reduce the fat and calories a bit of they wanted.

Yes!!! added more cream cheese. Next time I'm going to add shrimp Loved this recipe sooo Easy

This is quick, easy and delicious. You can add any protein you like. The first time I made this I added grilled shrimp on angel hair pasta. The next time chicken. My husband just loves it and thinks he lives in a fine restaurant. This recipe is definitely a keeper! Btw, I made this exactly as written.

Love this recipe! I added, onion and red pepper flakes. My husband and 23 and ups loved it!! Definitely making this again!

Actually followed recipe. Did add sauteed chicken and a little paprika. Rich, sweet and yummy.

Many people are going to find the changes I had to make sacrilegous, so continue reading at your own risk. ;) I had no heavy cream, so I dissolved a spoonful of cornstarch into a cup and a half of regular milk and used that instead of the cream. I didn't need it to yield so much either, so I used about half a cup of butter or maybe a little less, with the same amount of parmesan and cream cheese and about a cup of spinach. I thought a bit of nutmeg would go well with it, so i added that as well. I had it over farfalle and my boyfriend had a chicken thigh with it. It turned out great. I've never been to Olive Garden, so I don't know what this is supposed to be better than, but I really liked this recipe and the version I ended up making has less fat in it, so I thought it might come in handy for some people. Thank you for sharing it!

I'm not sure what to think of this. I'm neither from the USA nor particularly fond of Italian cuisine, so I really have no term of comparison. This tasted ok enough but, instead of watery like other reviewers mention, mine turned out extremely sticky, there's just much too much parmesan in this. If I ever try it again, I'll add a bit more spinach and about 1/10 of the parmesan.

I added a extra garlic, basil and a six pepper seasoning. I also added shrimp and cut a few grape tomatoes as well. The original sauce was to thin so I added corn starch to thicken and it was delish!!

Great Fast Made mine without cream cheese and with fresh baby spinach! Delicious!

I’ve made this a few times now. It’s always a hit! I never use frozen spinach though, I always use fresh.

Probably the best tasting Alfredo sauce I've ever had. Just follow the recipe exactly.