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- Pasta options: Penne or Fettuccine (8 oz) - Fresh produce: Garlic, spinach, and artichoke hearts - Dairy ingredients: Heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese - Seasonings: Onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper To make creamy spinach artichoke pasta, you need the right ingredients. Start with pasta. I love using penne or fettuccine. Both have great shapes to hold the sauce. You’ll need 8 ounces. Next, grab some fresh produce. You need garlic, spinach, and artichoke hearts. The garlic adds flavor. The spinach gives a nice color and nutrition. The artichoke hearts bring a unique taste. Now, let’s talk about dairy. You’ll need heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The heavy cream makes it rich. The cream cheese adds creaminess. Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick. Finally, don’t forget the seasonings. You’ll need onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. The onion powder gives depth. Red pepper flakes add a little heat. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that is creamy and comforting. The blend of flavors will make your taste buds dance! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Make sure the water is really hot. Add 8 oz of your favorite pasta, like penne or fettuccine. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the pasta type. Once done, save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This will help later. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is warm, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. Stir often to keep it from burning. Once you smell that lovely garlic scent, toss in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts down. Then, add 1 can of drained and quartered artichoke hearts. Stir and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is warm. Now it’s time to make the sauce! Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream slowly. Then, add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir constantly so that the cream cheese melts smoothly. Once it looks creamy, add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and, if you like a kick, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix it all together. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it is just right. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently so that the pasta gets fully coated. Heat it through for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the pasta soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce. When serving, plate the creamy spinach artichoke pasta hot. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top. For a fun twist, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil or a light dusting of lemon zest for a fresh flavor. This makes your dish not just tasty but also look great! To get the sauce just right, save some pasta water. This water is starchy and helps thin out the sauce. If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved water. Stir until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. For a velvety texture, mix the cream cheese well. You want it to blend without lumps. To boost the flavors, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian herbs. A dash of lemon juice can brighten the dish too. Serve this pasta with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Pairing it with a light white wine can also enhance the flavors. When prepping, use sautéing for the garlic and spinach. Sautéing brings out their flavors better than boiling. Keep an eye on the pasta. Overcooking can make it mushy. It should be al dente, which means it still has a slight bite. This helps it hold up when mixed with the sauce. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh spinach and high-quality artichoke hearts will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Opt for fresh whenever possible! Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This helps the sauce cling nicely to the pasta. Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving. It brightens up the dish beautifully. {{image_4}} For a heartier meal, you can add protein. Chicken works great here. You can use cooked, shredded chicken. Simply toss it in when you combine the pasta with the sauce. If you enjoy seafood, shrimp adds a nice touch. Sauté the shrimp until pink before mixing it with the pasta. For a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and texture without meat. If you need dairy-free options, I have you covered. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a nice creaminess and a hint of sweetness. For cream cheese, try a vegan cream cheese. It melts well and keeps the flavor creamy. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy taste without dairy. You can sprinkle it in for added flavor. You can boost the nutrition by adding seasonal veggies. Bell peppers or zucchini bring color and flavor. Just sauté them with the garlic at the start. Mushrooms are another tasty option; they add a nice umami flavor. Try using spinach and kale together for more greens. Simply toss them in with the spinach. It makes for a vibrant dish with lots of flavors. To keep your creamy spinach artichoke pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use a tight container to prevent air from getting in. Glass containers work best as they do not stain or retain odors. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing it. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy the leftovers, use low heat to reheat the pasta. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to keep it creamy. Stir often to prevent the sauce from separating. This keeps the texture smooth and tasty. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Use plastic wrap before sealing the lid for extra protection. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it up. This helps prevent moisture from building up, which can make it soggy. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, combine and heat them gently. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft. If you want, you can prepare the sauce a day before. Just reheat it on low heat and add the pasta before serving. You can use many types of pasta for this dish. Penne and fettuccine work great, but you can try others too! Bowtie, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta are good choices. Just make sure to cook it according to the package directions for best results. Yes, you can make a lighter version of this dish easily. Use whole grain pasta for extra fiber. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the cream cheese or use a low-fat version. Add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for flavor without adding many calories. This blog post covers making Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta from start to finish. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips for perfecting your dish. You can adapt the recipe with various proteins, vegetables, or dairy options. Storing and reheating your pasta properly keeps it fresh and delicious. Try these easy changes to suit your taste. Enjoy creating your creamy pasta and share it with friends. With practice, you’ll master this delicious dish and impress everyone at the table.

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring spinach and artichokes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta of your choice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 2 onion powder
  • 1 4 red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the package until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use, drain the remaining water, and set the pasta aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Add Greens: Toss in the chopped spinach and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it wilts down. Then, add the quartered artichoke hearts, stirring them in and sautéing for another 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, followed by the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously to ensure the cream cheese melts completely and blends smoothly into the mixture.
  • Cheese It Up: Once the mixture is creamy, add the grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy). Mix thoroughly until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is rich and velvety. If the sauce appears too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Combine: Carefully add the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly while ensuring it heats through for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step helps the pasta soak up the delightful flavors of the sauce.
  • Garnish & Serve: Plate the creamy spinach artichoke pasta hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a light dusting of lemon zest.
Keyword artichoke, creamy, dinner, pasta, spinach