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To make creamy spinach artichoke pasta, gather these main ingredients: - 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish that feels special yet is simple to whip up. You can add some optional ingredients for extra flavor: - Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick) These give the dish a nice touch of heat without overpowering the flavors. To enhance your dish, consider these recommended toppings: - Fresh basil, for garnish - Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for a richer taste These toppings not only make the dish look beautiful but also add fresh flavors that brighten up every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Once the water is boiling, add 8 ounces of your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or penne. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside for later. While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell nice but not burn. Next, add 14 ounces of chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. After that, toss in 4 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts down, which takes another 2 to 3 minutes. Now, it’s time to make it creamy! Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and mixes in well. Then, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to marry the pasta and sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the creamy sauce. Make sure each piece of pasta gets a nice coating. Let the pasta heat through for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Remove the skillet from the heat, and you’re all set to enjoy a luscious dish of creamy spinach artichoke pasta! To boost the flavor, use fresh herbs. Add chopped basil or parsley right before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness too. You can also sprinkle some grated lemon zest on top for extra zing. If you like it spicy, red pepper flakes work wonders. Adjust the amount to your taste. For the creamiest sauce, melt the cream cheese fully before adding the pasta. Stir constantly to blend it well with the cream. If the sauce is thick, use the reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time until it reaches your desired texture. This keeps everything smooth and lovely. Serve your creamy spinach artichoke pasta in deep bowls. Top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Pair this dish with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy it warm for the best taste! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will give your dish a vibrant color and better texture compared to frozen spinach. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente to avoid mushiness once mixed with the creamy sauce. Adjust Creaminess: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan not only enhance the flavor but also improve presentation. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using plant-based cream and cheese. Look for brands that mimic dairy flavors well. This keeps the creamy texture while being meat-free. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms. They enhance the flavor and add color to your plate. If you prefer gluten-free pasta, choose options made from rice or chickpeas. These types cook well and still taste great with the creamy sauce. Be sure to check the labels for gluten-free verification. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. Want to boost the protein content? You can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta. These options blend nicely with the creamy sauce. For a plant-based choice, consider adding chickpeas or lentils. They are tasty and fill you up. Store the creamy spinach artichoke pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. It will last for about three to four days in the fridge. Before you store it, let it cool down. If you need to, you can separate the pasta from the sauce to help it last longer. You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that pasta can change texture. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is tightly sealed. It can last for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely first. You can freeze the sauce separately too. When you are ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir in a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy your pasta just like fresh! To make your pasta creamier, add more cream cheese. You can also use a bit more heavy cream. If the sauce is too thick, slowly mix in reserved pasta water. Stir gently until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This way, your dish will stay rich and smooth. Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just thaw and drain it before adding. Frozen spinach cooks faster than fresh. This swap saves you time and still gives great flavor. Remember to adjust the amount. About 2 cups of fresh spinach equals 1 cup of frozen. Feel free to get creative! You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers add a nice twist. You might also try different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for unique flavors. Just keep the balance in mind for a tasty meal! This blog post covered all the key steps for making a delicious pasta dish. We explored main and optional ingredients, along with tasty toppings. You learned how to cook pasta and prepare a rich sauce. I shared tips to enhance flavor and perfect the creamy texture. You also discovered variations for different diets and how to store leftovers properly. Now you can confidently create a pasta dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy cooking and make it your own!

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 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional red pepper flakes
  • for garnish fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Incorporate the chopped artichoke hearts into the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
  • Allow the pasta to heat through for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat.

Notes

Plate the creamy spinach artichoke pasta in deep bowls, garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top for a beautiful finish.
Keyword artichoke, creamy, dinner, pasta, spinach