Spinach artichoke pasta

Spinach Artichoke Pasta 

Description

This Spinach Artichoke Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish inspired by the classic spinach artichoke dip. It’s packed with tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce that coats every bite of pasta. This meal is easy to make, comes together in about 30 minutes, and is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or any preferred type)

4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed, and drained)

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup onion, finely chopped

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1½ cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)

½ cup vegetable or chicken broth

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 oz cream cheese, softened

For Garnish (Optional):

Extra Parmesan cheese

Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Saute the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

Add onions and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in chopped artichoke hearts and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.

Gradually whisk in milk and broth, stirring until smooth.

Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1.5 cups)

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Time Breakdown

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw it first and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.

2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle works well, but fettuccine or spaghetti can also be used.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with gluten-free cornstarch or flour.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth.

5. Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for extra protein.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or almond milk, and replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives.