Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe Creamy Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a creamy Spinach artichoke pasta recipe This easy vegetarian pasta recipe is a weeknight winner Its comfort food made simple Get the recipe now ... Healthy Eats

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get a craving for something creamy and comforting? This spinach artichoke pasta recipe takes a classic dip and turns it into dinner. It's packed with cheesy goodness and bursting with flavour.

Brief Overview

This delightful dish is based on the beloved spinach artichoke dip. It's a super easy recipe. Ready in around 30 minutes! The recipe yields 4 servings. Perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

Spinach is a great source of iron. This pasta is a fun way to get your greens. It's also the perfect dish for a casual weeknight meal.

The creamy sauce makes it feel extra special.

The Creamy Dream Team

Alright, let's dive into this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta. This recipe is so easy, honestly, even I can't mess it up. You know? It is really the Easy pasta recipe .

I'm thinking, what's not to love about creamy spinach artichoke pasta ? Honestly, it's like a warm hug on a plate. Quick Weeknight Dinner anyone?

What You'll Need to Get Started

Here is what you are going to need for a Vegetarian pasta recipe :

  • Pasta: 8 oz of your favorite shape.
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing.
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
  • Artichoke hearts: 1 can (14 oz), chopped.
  • Spinach: 4 cups, roughly chopped.
  • Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened.
  • Sour cream: ½ cup (or Greek yogurt).
  • Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated. Parmesan cheese pasta recipe for life!
  • Mozzarella cheese: ½ cup, shredded.
  • Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).
  • Reserved pasta water: ½ cup.

Let's Get Cooking

First, you’ll need a large pot, a colander, a large skillet, and a wooden spoon. And just like that, you're good to go.

Trust me. This Italian pasta dish will become your go-to.

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe Card

Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe Creamy Weeknight Dinner Recipe Card
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Preparation time:10 Mins
Cooking time:20 Mins
Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550
Fat:25-35g
Fiber:3-5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course
Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Do This!

Okay, so we are making this Spinach artichoke pasta recipe tonight. Honestly, it's easier than ordering takeout. And it tastes way better.

First, let’s gather our supplies. This creamy spinach artichoke pasta recipe is gonna be fab!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here's what you'll need. Remember, measurements don't have to be perfect! Just close enough. I mean, who's measuring at home anyway?

  • Pasta: 8 oz (225g) of your fave. I like penne or rotini. Use the good stuff, you know?
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Nothing fancy!
  • Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Don’t be shy.
  • Artichoke hearts: 1 (14 oz / 400g) can , drained and chopped.
  • Spinach: 4 cups fresh, roughly chopped.
  • Cream cheese: 4 oz (115g) , softened. SUPER important for a creamy spinach artichoke pasta .
  • Sour cream: ½ cup (120ml) (or Greek yogurt if you’re feeling healthy).
  • Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50g) , grated. Freshly grated is always best.
  • Mozzarella cheese: ½ cup (50g) , shredded.
  • Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
  • Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) .
  • Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional, for a kick).
  • Pasta water: ½ cup (120ml) reserved (life saver!).

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: YOU!

Garlic, salt, and pepper are essential . Don't skip them. Red pepper flakes add a nice little warmth. For substitutions, you can swap for whatever you like.

Equipment Needed: Simple & Sweet

All you need is a large pot for the pasta and a large skillet or Dutch oven for everything else.

A colander is, of course, essential. You will need a wooden spoon to stir everything. Don't get all fancy with your Italian pasta dish .

Alright, that's it for gear. Let’s get cookin'!

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta presentation

Cooking Method: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta, Let's Get Started!

Okay, let's whip up a batch of this Spinach Artichoke Pasta recipe! Honestly, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. It combines the best of and elegant Italian flavors.

Creamy spinach artichoke pasta , here we come! I remember the first time I made this. It was a disaster.

The sauce was lumpy, the pasta was overcooked. Luckily, I've learned a few tricks since then.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Essential Mise en Place

First things first: Get organized! We're talking mise en place , people. Chop your 3 cloves of garlic. Drain and chop that (14 oz / 400g) can of artichoke hearts.

Roughly chop 4 cups of fresh spinach. You know? Getting everything ready beforehand seriously saves time. Plus, it makes cooking way less stressful.

Safety first! No one wants to slice a finger while rushing to chop garlic.

Step-by-Step: Pasta Perfection

Ready to cook? Here we go!

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) of your favorite pasta and cook until al dente . Reserve ½ cup of that starchy pasta water – trust me on this! Then, drain the pasta.
  2. Garlic & Artichoke Time: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute . Then, add those artichoke hearts. Cook for another 2- 3 minutes.
  3. Spinach Power: Toss in the spinach and cook until it wilts. This will only take about 2 minutes .
  4. Creamy Dream: Reduce the heat to low. Add 4 oz (115g) softened cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy. Stir until smooth. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to get that perfectly creamy consistency .
  5. Pasta Party: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that gorgeous sauce.
  6. Serve it Up: Serve hot! Garnish with extra Parmesan and those red pepper flakes, if desired. This easy pasta recipe is ready in minutes!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pasta Game

  • Secret Ingredient Alert: Don't skip the pasta water! It's the key to a creamy, emufied sauce. It’s liquid gold.
  • Soft Cream Cheese is a Must: Using softened cream cheese makes the sauce so much smoother. No one wants lumpy sauce!
  • Taste as You Go: Seriously, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Some like it saltier, some like it spicier. It's your pasta, make it your own!
  • Quick weeknight dinner just got even easier, you can prep all your veggies beforehand and store them in the fridge. Making the sauce and adding the pasta is super quick. This spinach artichoke pasta bake is also great for using up leftover cooked chicken. Now that's what I call a culinary win! Honestly, this spinach artichoke pasta with chicken is amazing.

Recipe Notes

Hey, you! Ready to dive into this amazing spinach artichoke pasta recipe ? I'm stoked to share a few extra tips and tricks I've picked up along the way.

It's like, a little extra something to make your dish chef's kiss .

Serving Suggestions: Make It Pop!

Okay, presentation matters, right? I love plating this creamy spinach artichoke pasta in shallow bowls. It just feels fancy. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and some red pepper flakes? Yes, please ! You know, a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce is always a win.

And for the drinks, a crisp glass of white wine or even a sparkling lemonade works wonders. I think pairing with chilled Pinot Grigio is a great idea.

Storage Tips: No Food Waste Here!

Honestly, leftovers of this easy pasta recipe never last long in my house, but if you have any, here's the lowdown.

Fridge time: keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For freezing, it's best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta, it will keep fresh for about 2 months.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Nobody likes dry pasta!

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Want to make it your own? Go for it! For a vegetarian pasta recipe with extra protein, toss in some chickpeas or white beans.

If you're after a spinach artichoke pasta with chicken , grilled chicken would be a perfect add-on. You can even use different veggies depending on the season!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

Alright, so this isn't exactly health food, but it's still got some goodness! Spinach is packed with vitamins. Artichokes are rich in fiber.

Remember to include portions of 450-550 calories, 20-25g of protein, 25-35g of fat, 40-50g of carbohydrates per serving. Treat yourself, okay?

This comfort food pasta is guaranteed to be a hit! With these extra tips, you're all set to create a delicious and memorable meal. So, get cooking and enjoy!

Delicious Spinach Artichoke Pasta Easy Vegetarian Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this spinach artichoke pasta recipe ahead of time?

You can indeed! Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to eat, cook the pasta, and combine. Just remember that the sauce might thicken as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of milk or pasta water when reheating to loosen it up. It's like giving it a little spa day before dinner!

What's the best way to store leftover spinach artichoke pasta?

Store any leftover spinach artichoke pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, or reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat. You don't want it to end up like something from a school cafeteria!

I'm not a big fan of sour cream; can I substitute it in this spinach artichoke pasta recipe?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream in this spinach artichoke pasta recipe. It offers a similar tang and creaminess but with a bit more protein. You could also try crème fraîche for an even richer flavour. It's all about finding what tickles your taste buds!

Is there a way to make this spinach artichoke pasta healthier?

You bet! Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Swap out the cream cheese for a lighter version or even a blend of cottage cheese and a touch of cream. Load up on the spinach to boost the nutrient content, and consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for lean protein. A little tweak here and there can make a big difference!

Can I add protein to this spinach artichoke pasta recipe?

Definitely! Grilled chicken or shrimp are fantastic additions that pair perfectly with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, would also be a delicious choice. If you are after a vegetarian option, chickpeas and white beans could also be good additions.

What kind of pasta works best with this spinach artichoke pasta recipe?

While you can use almost any pasta shape, shorter shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle (bowties) tend to work best. The nooks and crannies in these shapes are excellent at grabbing onto the creamy sauce. Long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti are also great choices - it really comes down to personal preference. It is your pasta night, after all!

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