Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Imagine the beloved Spinach Artichoke Pasta making a delightful rendezvous with pasta – that’s exactly what you get with our Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta. It’s a weeknight revelation, bringing you comfort, warmth, and a cheesy embrace all in one bowl. And the best part? It’s a breeze to whip up! This is a must-add to your weekly menu rotation – it’s that good!

What’s not to love about this lovely Spinach Artichoke Pasta?

This pasta? It’s got it all! Creamy, cheesy, absolutely indulgent, and incredibly easy to prepare. Did we mention it’s cheesy? It’s like enjoying your all-time favourite spinach artichoke dip, but in a sinfully delightful pasta form.

Now, when it comes to creamy pasta dishes, they’re practically a tradition in our home, and if you’re here, I bet they’re a favourite in yours too! Alongside this dangerously delicious pasta, you’ll want to add our One Pot Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta and the irresistible Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake to your weekly pasta lineup. You can be confident that your taste buds will be singing with joy!

The orecchiette pasta is tossed in a creamy sauce with chopped baby spinach, artichoke hearts, grated parmesan cheese, and cream cheese in this quick weekday supper.

Spinach artichoke pasta video recipe:

Credit: Budget Bytes

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces of your favourite pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
2. 2 tablespoons of butter
3. 3 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 1 can (14 ounces) of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
5. 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves
6. 1 cup of heavy cream
7. 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
8. 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
9. Salt and pepper to taste
10. Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
11. Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Let’s start by filling a large pot with water and adding a pinch of salt. We want to bring it to a rolling boil.
• Now, gently place your pasta into the boiling water and let it cook. Just follow the instructions on the package until it’s perfectly tender, which Italians like to call “al dente.”
• Now, gently bid farewell to the pasta water and set those perfectly cooked noodles aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Artichokes:

• Now, grab a nice, big skillet. Put it on the stove over medium heat and drop in your butter. Let it melt and get all cozy.
• Next, toss in those minced garlic cloves and give them a little dance in the skillet. It’ll only take about a minute, and you’ll know it’s ready when that amazing garlic aroma fills the air.
• Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to turn golden.

3. Add Spinach and Cream:

• Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and gently stir until they wilt and reduce in volume.
• Pour in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Add Cheese and Seasoning:

• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
• Now, it’s time to add a dash of magic. Season your dish with a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, and if you fancy a little heat, a few red pepper flakes. Adjust it to your taste, and make it as spicy or mild as you prefer. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the creamy spinach and artichoke sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly.

6. Serve and Garnish:

• Serve your Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of colour and flavour.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality, homemade Spinach Artichoke Pasta that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible!

Spinach artichoke pasta nutrition information:

Spinach artichoke pasta health benefits:

• Rich in Calcium: This dish is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• High in Vitamin A: It provides a significant amount of vitamin A, important for healthy vision, skin, and immune system function.
• Protein: With 19g of protein per serving, this pasta helps with muscle repair and overall body function.
• Vitamin C: The meal contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and promotes skin health.
• Moderate Fiber: While not extremely high in fibre, it still contributes to digestive health.
• Iron: Iron is necessary for red blood cell formation and oxygen transport in the body.
• Balanced Nutrition: It offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a well-rounded meal option.

Remember that actual nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. This Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Storage Instructions:

Once you’ve savoured every creamy, cheesy bite of your delightful Spinach Artichoke Pasta, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain its freshness and flavour.

Here’s how:

1. Let it Cool: Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can make the pasta soggy.
2. Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer the leftover pasta into an airtight container. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to keep air out and maintain the pasta’s moisture.
3. Refrigerate Promptly: Place the sealed container in the refrigerator promptly after serving. Proper refrigeration helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps your pasta fresh for longer.
4. Consume Within 3-4 Days: Enjoy your Spinach Artichoke Pasta within 3-4 days of preparation. While it may still be safe to eat beyond this time frame, the quality may deteriorate.

Reheating Instructions:

When you’re ready to indulge in your leftover Spinach Artichoke Pasta again, follow these simple reheating instructions to enjoy it as if it were freshly made:

Microwave Method:

1. Transfer the desired portion of pasta onto a microwave-safe plate or bowl.
2. Cover the plate or bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to prevent splattering.
3. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through, stirring halfway through the heating time.
4. Carefully remove from the microwave, as the container may be hot.
5. Let it rest for a minute or two before enjoying.

Stovetop Method:

1. Place a non-stick skillet or saucepan on the stove over medium heat.
2. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
3. Transfer the desired portion of pasta to the skillet, spreading it out evenly.
4. Cover the skillet with a lid to help trap the steam and heat the pasta evenly.
5. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is thoroughly heated.
6. Once heated through, remove from the heat and serve immediately.

Remember to handle hot dishes with care and always check the internal temperature of reheated food before consuming.

Reusing Instructions:

If you’re feeling creative and want to give your leftover Spinach Artichoke Pasta a delicious makeover, here are a few ideas to inspire you:

1. Pasta Bake: Transform your leftover pasta into a mouthwatering pasta bake by layering it with additional cheese, marinara sauce, and your favourite veggies. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting meal.
2. Pasta Salad: Turn your pasta into a refreshing pasta salad by tossing it with crisp veggies, a tangy vinaigrette, and some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Use your leftover pasta as a delicious filling for stuffed peppers. Simply stuff hollowed-out bell peppers with the pasta mixture, top with cheese, and bake until tender.
4. Frittata: Whip up a Savory frittata by combining your pasta with beaten eggs, cheese, and any leftover veggies you have on hand. Cook until set and golden for a hearty brunch or dinner option.

With these storage, reheating, and reuse instructions, you can make the most of your creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta, ensuring it’s enjoyed to the fullest extent possible.

Suggestions and Variations

Here’s your chance to make this dish truly yours:

1. Protein Boost: Elevate your meal by adding some protein like cooked chicken, ground meat, crumbled bacon, shrimp, or sausage. Just stir it in right before baking. Make sure the meat or fish is cooked beforehand.
2. Herbaceous Touch: Feel free to sprinkle in your favorite herbs for that extra burst of flavor. Whether it’s fresh basil, aromatic rosemary, or classic Italian seasoning, it’s your pasta canvas!
3. Veggie Power: Add even more veggies to ramp up the nutrition. While sautéing the onions, toss in some chopped mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of taste.
4. Save Pasta Water: Before you drain the pasta, remember to set aside about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s like liquid gold! This water helps the sauce cling to the noodles, creating that irresistible cheesy embrace.
5. Noodle Options: Don’t be afraid to switch up the pasta shape. You can use any small noodle variety, and if you’re going gluten-free or looking for extra veggie goodness, opt for gluten-free or vegetable-based pasta.
6. Reheating Wisdom: When reheating your pasta, you might need to add a bit of water, broth, or milk to loosen up the sauce, ensuring it’s as creamy as ever.
7. Cheese Adventures: Get creative with your garnish! Try different cheeses like goat cheese or feta to add a unique twist to your dish. The kitchen is your playground—customize, experiment, and savor every bite of your pasta masterpiece!

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