Spinach Artichoke Pasta Dish is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the creamy richness of artichokes and the vibrant freshness of spinach, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. This dish has its roots in the beloved spinach artichoke dip, a classic appetizer that has graced many gatherings and celebrations. Over the years, it has evolved into a hearty main course that not only satisfies the palate but also warms the heart.
People adore this Spinach Artichoke Pasta Dish for its incredible taste and texture. The creamy sauce clings to each strand of pasta, while the tender artichokes and fresh spinach add a burst of color and nutrition. Plus, it’s a convenient recipe that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with friends. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Pasta
1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. 2. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. 3. While the pasta is cooking, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. 4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest in a colander. Set the pasta aside.Preparing the Spinach and Artichoke Mixture
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. I love using a non-stick skillet for this recipe to make cleanup easier. 6. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn! 7. Next, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted. 8. Add the chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through. 9. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese and sour cream to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and everything is well combined. 10. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the mixture. This will create a creamy sauce that binds everything together. 11. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.Seasoning the Sauce
12. Now it’s time to season the sauce! Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to incorporate all the flavors. 13. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. I often find that a little extra salt or pepper can really enhance the dish.Combining Pasta and Sauce
14. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach and artichoke sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. 15. If the pasta seems dry, add more of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired creaminess.Final Touches and Baking (Optional)
16. If you want to take this dish to the next level, you can bake it! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 17. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish for this recipe. 18. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. 19. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This step adds a lovely texture and flavor to the dish.Serving the Dish
20. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the cheese set a bit. 21. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. 22. Serve the Spinach Artichoke Pasta warm, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!Storage and Reheating
23. If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 24. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over lowConclusion:
In conclusion, this Spinach Artichoke Pasta Dish is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The creamy, savory flavors combined with the vibrant colors of spinach and artichokes create a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the pasta for a gluten-free option, add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or even toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with your favorite ingredients, I’m sure you’ll find it to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family, and let them know how much you enjoyed this Spinach Artichoke Pasta Dish. I can’t wait to hear about your variations and any tips you might have! Happy cooking! PrintSpinach Artichoke Pasta Dish: A Creamy and Delicious Recipe to Try Today
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a creamy and comforting Spinach Artichoke Pasta, featuring tender pasta tossed with fresh spinach and artichoke hearts in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for dinner or gatherings, this dish is sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt).
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Stir in chopped artichoke hearts and heat through for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, add softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until melted and combined.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss until well coated with the sauce.
- If the pasta seems dry, add more reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is achieved.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
- Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes after baking.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a microwave or skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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