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To make creamy spinach artichoke pasta, you'll need these simple ingredients: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnishing These ingredients combine to create a dish that is rich and satisfying. The penne pasta serves as a great base, while the spinach and artichokes add a fresh and vibrant touch. Cream cheese and heavy cream give the sauce its creamy texture, and Parmesan cheese adds a sharp flavor. Make sure to use fresh spinach for the best taste. The artichoke hearts should be roughly chopped to mix well with the pasta. Having all the ingredients ready will make your cooking process smoother. Enjoy the cooking experience! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps to flavor the pasta. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta to the boiling water. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save about 1 cup of the starchy water for later. Next, take a large non-stick skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. Stir it often so it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of your dish, so be careful! Now it's time to make the creamy sauce. Add 1 cup of softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir it continuously until it melts into a smooth mix. Then, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while you keep stirring. This helps to create a creamy and rich base for your pasta. After your sauce is ready, mix in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach and 1 can of drained artichoke hearts. Add 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes. The spinach should wilt and turn a bright green color. Gently fold the drained penne pasta into the creamy sauce in the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece of pasta with the sauce. This step is crucial! Use the reserved pasta water little by little to reach the sauce consistency you like. Finally, add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it is fully combined and creamy. Now, taste your pasta dish. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed. Once satisfied, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for a minute before serving. For a beautiful finish, portion the pasta into bowls. Top each serving with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Enjoy your creamy spinach artichoke pasta! To get that perfect creamy texture, focus on your ingredient ratios. The right mix of cream cheese and heavy cream makes all the difference. Use one cup of cream cheese and one cup of heavy cream for a rich sauce. This balance ensures a smooth and creamy finish. When making the sauce, stir constantly to prevent lumps. Start with softened cream cheese. Add it to the pan and let it melt fully before adding heavy cream. This helps create a silky sauce without clumps. You might want a dairy-free option. Use cashew cream instead of cream cheese. You can blend soaked cashews with water for a smooth texture. For heavy cream, try coconut cream for a rich taste. If you need gluten-free pasta, opt for rice or quinoa pasta. These options work well and keep the dish tasty. Cook them just as you would with regular pasta. Many beginners make common mistakes. One mistake is not tasting the sauce. Always taste and adjust seasoning. Add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Another mistake is not having the right tools. Use a large, non-stick skillet for easy cooking. A wooden spoon helps mix the sauce well. Don't forget to use a pot big enough for boiling pasta. This way, the pasta cooks evenly without sticking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and artichokes when possible for a brighter flavor and vibrant color. Adjusting Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano to customize the flavor profile of your dish. Serving Suggestions: Pair this pasta with a light side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience. {{image_4}} You can boost your creamy spinach artichoke pasta with protein. Chicken and shrimp are great choices. Cook chicken in the skillet until golden, then add it to the sauce. For shrimp, just sauté them until they turn pink, then mix them in. If you're looking for vegetarian options, consider adding chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and have a nice texture. You can make this dish even tastier with spices or herbs. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh basil or thyme can bring a new flavor. Experiment with different cheeses too! Mixing in mozzarella or goat cheese will change the taste and creaminess. Each cheese adds its own character to the dish. Seasonal vegetables can enhance your pasta. In spring, add asparagus or peas for freshness. In fall, roasted butternut squash brings a sweet touch. For winter, consider kale or Brussels sprouts. Adjust the recipe for special occasions too. For a festive twist, add a splash of white wine to the sauce. This brings depth and a special flair to your meal. To keep your creamy spinach artichoke pasta fresh, use airtight containers. These help prevent air from ruining the taste. Store the pasta in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. When it's time to eat again, you can reheat it in two ways: the microwave or the stovetop. The microwave is quick but can dry out your pasta. If you use the stovetop, heat it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta! Just place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last about two months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it up gently on the stovetop, adding some cream for a creamy texture. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. To prep ahead: - Cook the pasta and cool it. - Make the creamy sauce but do not mix it with the pasta yet. - Store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the sauce. Then, mix it with the pasta. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try: - Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. - Silken tofu for a dairy-free option. - Ricotta cheese for a lighter texture. These alternatives work well and offer different tastes. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Divide the pasta into portions. - Store in airtight containers in the fridge. - Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste. Reheat only what you plan to eat. This keeps the rest fresh. You can use frozen spinach or artichokes. Here’s what to know: - Frozen spinach may release extra water, so drain it well before use. - Frozen artichokes can be added directly, but thawing first helps with texture. Using frozen ingredients can save time and still taste great. This blog post covers a delicious creamy pasta dish. We explored key ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to perfect the recipe. You learned about ingredient swaps and how to enhance flavors. Also, we shared ideas for storage and reheating. By following these steps, you can create a tasty meal that's easy to enjoy. Don't be afraid to experiment with variations, as they can add fun! Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Delight

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring spinach and artichokes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • for garnishing fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a generously sized pot, bring salted water to a rapid boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.
  • In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it melts into a creamy consistency. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring persistently to ensure the mixture stays smooth and cohesive.
  • Mix in the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the skillet. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and becomes vibrant in color.
  • Gently fold the cooked penne pasta into the skillet containing the creamy sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, mixing until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully combined and creamy.
  • Taste your pasta dish and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
  • Once nicely combined and heated through, remove the skillet from heat and allow it to rest for about a minute before serving.
  • Portion the pasta into bowls, topping each serving with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an inviting and elegant finish.

Notes

For an extra touch, garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Keyword artichoke, creamy, pasta, spinach