Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal!
Looking for a delicious, comforting, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta recipe takes all the irresistible flavors of your favorite dip and transforms them into a hearty and satisfying pasta dish. It’s perfect for a cozy evening in, and quick enough to whip up after a long day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This pasta dish is a winner for so many reasons. First, it's incredibly flavorful, with the rich and tangy notes of artichoke hearts mingling perfectly with the earthy goodness of fresh spinach. Second, the creamy sauce is pure indulgence without being overly heavy, thanks to a clever combination of ingredients. And finally, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful and stress-free cooking experience. Here's what you'll need:
12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well)
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
5 oz fresh spinach
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes, optional, for a little kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your creamy spinach and artichoke pasta masterpiece:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Artichokes and Spinach: Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the fresh spinach in batches, if necessary, and cook until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, and dried oregano until smooth and well combined.
Combine and Season: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, stir in some red pepper flakes.
Serve: Divide the pasta among serving bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
Cheese Please: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Make it Vegan: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Be sure to use a vegan cream cheese alternative as well.
Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can add an extra layer of heat.
This Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. It's simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Enjoy!
This blog post was last updated on Date.