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To make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta, you will need a few key items. Here’s what you should gather: - 8 oz (225g) pasta (fusilli or penne) - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup vegetable broth - 1/4 cup milk - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This mix creates a rich and creamy sauce. The pasta acts as a base for the vibrant flavors of spinach and artichokes. Cream cheese and Parmesan add depth and creaminess. Garlic gives a nice kick, while red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat. Fresh parsley at the end not only looks nice but also brightens the dish. I love using fresh ingredients. They make the dish taste better and are often more healthy. Gathering these ingredients will set you up for a great cooking experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, cook the pasta. I suggest using fusilli or penne. Follow the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should be firm but cooked. This helps the pasta hold its shape. After cooking, drain it. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water adds flavor and helps the sauce stick later. Next, we prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute. The smell will be fantastic! Then, add the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts. Cook for about 2-3 minutes. The spinach should wilt down nicely. This mix makes the base of our creamy sauce. Now, let’s blend the creamy mixture. In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, vegetable broth, and milk. Stir until it’s smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the spinach and artichokes. Mix well to combine. Add in the cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Don't forget the reserved pasta water! Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat everything through for an extra 3-4 minutes while stirring gently. Serve it hot and enjoy your creamy spinach artichoke pasta! To get the right creaminess, start with cream cheese. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little more milk. This makes it smooth and easy to mix. If it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer. The heat helps it thicken up. Using pasta water is key for the sauce. When you drain your pasta, keep some water. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Just add a little at a time until you get the right consistency. You can boost the flavor of your dish with more spices. Add garlic powder, black pepper, or even Italian herbs. These extra touches make every bite tasty. If you want a kick, try adding more red pepper flakes. For a twist, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives. They add a rich flavor and texture. You can also mix in some cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. For presentation, serve the pasta in deep bowls. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This adds color and looks appealing. You can even place a few artichoke pieces on top for decoration. Pair your pasta with a simple salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the creamy dish well. You can also enjoy it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Pro Tips Fresh Spinach Matters: Always opt for fresh spinach to achieve a vibrant color and maximum flavor in your dish. Cheese Variations: You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different creamy texture and taste. Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente for the best texture, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Garnish for Presentation: Don't skip the parsley and extra Parmesan on top; it not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful finishing touch to your dish. {{image_2}} For a vegan option, you can swap cream cheese for cashew cream or tofu. Both add creaminess and flavor. You can also choose almond milk instead of regular milk. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or quinoa noodles. These options keep your dish tasty and satisfying. Feel free to add other veggies to your pasta. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well. They add flavor and nutrients. If you want to change the cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also use vegan cheese if you prefer. If you prefer a one-pot meal, cook the pasta in the same pot. Add the spinach and artichokes when the pasta is almost done. Stir in the cream cheese mixture last. This saves time and makes cleanup easy. For a baked version, make the pasta as usual, then transfer it to a baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. This gives a nice, crispy top and makes the dish even more comforting. To keep your creamy spinach artichoke pasta fresh, you should store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container and place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for about three days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. For freezing, let the pasta cool completely before packing it into a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just be sure to label the container with the date. To reheat your pasta, the best method is using the stovetop. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to help bring back the creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it. This may change the texture and make it less creamy. A gentle reheat keeps the flavors intact and the pasta smooth. The total time to make this dish is about 25 minutes. Here’s how it breaks down: - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 15 minutes You’ll find that it’s quick and easy. This makes it perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can use frozen spinach or artichokes. Just follow these tips: - Spinach: Thaw and drain it well. Squeeze out extra water. - Artichokes: Use canned artichokes if frozen ones are not available. Frozen options save time. They also work well in this creamy dish. Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta can be a part of a healthy diet. Here’s what to know: - Calories: One serving has around 400 calories. - Nutrients: It contains vitamins from spinach and protein from cheese. To make it lighter, consider using less cheese or whole-grain pasta. This way, you can enjoy it without worry. In this post, I shared a simple way to make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a great dish. Remember to reserve pasta water; it helps the sauce stick. Explore variations for dietary needs, like vegan swaps or baking methods. Proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this dish your own. Each bite can bring comfort and delight, so dive in and savor the experience.

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring spinach and artichokes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 2 vegetable broth
  • 1 4 milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 2 red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the skillet. Cook until the spinach has wilted, around 2-3 minutes.
  • In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, vegetable broth, and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the spinach and artichokes. Stir well to combine.
  • Add in the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to heat through for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring gently.
  • Remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes

Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant color contrast. Add a few artichoke pieces on top for garnish.
Keyword artichoke, creamy, pasta, spinach