Are you craving a hearty, comforting pasta dish that’s both delicious and simple to make? Our Spinach Artichoke Pasta is just the ticket. It’s a fantastic blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with the health benefits of spinach and artichokes, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pasta Dish
- Indulgent Flavor. This pasta dish combines the creamy richness of a classic spinach artichoke dip with your favorite pasta, creating an indulgent meal that’s sure to satisfy.
- Easy to Prepare. With simple, readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a breeze to whip up any day of the week.
- Versatile. You can customize it with your choice of pasta and add extras like chicken or bacon for a protein boost.
- Nutrient-Rich. Spinach and artichokes add a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
Can You Use Frozen Spinach?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach for Spinach Artichoke Pasta. Frozen spinach is a convenient and effective alternative to fresh spinach, and it works well in cooked pasta dishes.
Using frozen spinach is a great time-saver and can be especially useful when fresh spinach isn’t readily available.
What Kind Of Pasta Is Best For This Recipe?
For Spinach Artichoke Pasta, the best types of pasta are those that can hold onto the creamy sauce and complement the textures of spinach and artichokes. Here are some great options:
- Penne– Its tubular shape is excellent for trapping the sauce and the small pieces of spinach and artichokes. Penne provides a nice bite and is a popular choice for creamy pasta dishes.
- Fusilli or Rotini– The spirals and grooves of fusilli or rotini are perfect for catching and holding onto the creamy sauce and vegetable bits. These shapes also add a fun texture to the dish.
- Rigatoni– Similar to penne but larger, rigatoni’s ridges and wide-open ends are great for scooping up the sauce and veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When making Spinach Artichoke Pasta, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s overall flavor and texture:
- Pasta (Penne, Rigatoni, or Fusilli)– This is the foundation of the dish. The type of pasta you choose will affect the texture and how well the sauce clings to it. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great choices due to their shapes, which are excellent at holding onto the creamy sauce.
- Spinach and Artichokes– These vegetables are key to the dish, adding not only a beautiful blend of flavors but also a variety of textures. Spinach offers a slightly earthy taste and wilted texture, while artichokes provide a mild, nutty flavor and a more substantial bite.
- Cream Cheese and Sour Cream– These ingredients create the creamy base of the sauce. Cream cheese adds richness and a smooth texture, while sour cream introduces a slight tanginess that balances the creaminess.
- Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese– Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall savoriness. Mozzarella offers a delightful stretchy, gooey quality, contributing to the creamy texture and cheesy taste.
- Garlic and Onions– These aromatic ingredients are foundational in cooking, providing depth and a base layer of flavor. Garlic adds a pungent, spicy element, while onions contribute a slight sweetness and complexity to the dish.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes)– Salt is essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Pepper adds a slight heat and complexity, while red pepper flakes introduce a subtle kick, elevating the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the other ingredients.
How To Make Spinach Artichoke Pasta
- Cook the Pasta– Start by boiling your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies– In a large skillet, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
- Create the Creamy Base– Add cream cheese, sour cream, and a splash of milk. Stir until smooth.
- Add Spinach and Artichokes– Stir in chopped spinach and artichokes. Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Combine with Pasta– Toss the creamy sauce with the cooked pasta.
- Add Cheeses– Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella, and give everything a good mix.
- Serve Warm- Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
Making a delicious spinach artichoke pasta involves a few tips and tricks to enhance flavor and texture. Here are some useful suggestions:
- Choice of Pasta. Select a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. These types have nooks and crannies that capture the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Cooking Pasta. Cook the pasta al dente (just firm to the bite) as it will continue to soften when mixed with the hot sauce. Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchiness is perfect for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
- Using Spinach. If using fresh spinach, make sure to wash it thoroughly. For frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water to prevent the sauce from getting too watery.
- Prepping Artichokes. If using canned or jarred artichokes, drain them well and give them a rough chop to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Variations
Creating variations of spinach artichoke pasta can add excitement to this classic dish. Here are some creative ideas to try:
- Protein Addition– Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or even slices of Italian sausage for added protein. Tofu or white beans can be a great vegetarian protein source.
- Gluten-Free Option– Use gluten-free pasta for those with dietary restrictions. Be sure to check the labels on other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
- Extra Vegetables– Enhance the nutritional value by adding other vegetables like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy Twist– For those who like it hot, add more red pepper flakes, or incorporate a spicy element like chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
What To Serve With Spinach Artichoke Pasta
When serving Spinach Artichoke Pasta, you have a variety of side options that complement this rich and creamy dish:
- Salad– A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the pasta. Include a mix of greens, like romaine, spinach, and arugula, along with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks– Crispy garlic bread or soft breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and add a nice textural contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables– To add a healthy and colorful side, consider steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a medley of roasted bell peppers and zucchini.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp– For a protein boost, serve grilled chicken breasts or shrimp alongside the pasta. These proteins are mildly flavored, so they won’t overpower the taste of the pasta.
How Long Does It Last?
Spinach artichoke pasta, like most cooked pasta dishes, typically lasts in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days when stored properly.
Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container for the best results.
Can You Freeze It?
For longer storage, you can freeze spinach artichoke pasta. In a freezer-safe container, it can last for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta and creamy sauce might change slightly after freezing and thawing.
More Pasta Recipes
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Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 508kcal
Click on highlighted ingredients or Equipment to see exactly what I use to make this recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta– Start by boiling your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté the Veggies- In a large skillet, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
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Create the Creamy Base- Add cream cheese, sour cream, and a splash of milk. Stir until smooth.
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Add Spinach and Artichokes- Stir in chopped spinach and artichokes. Cook until the spinach wilts.
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Combine with Pasta– Toss the creamy sauce with the cooked pasta.
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Add Cheeses- Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella, and give everything a good mix.
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Serve Warm- Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Nutrition
Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g
