Spinach Artichoke Pasta
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
474 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Description
The pasta is cooked until al dente, then set aside while the sauce is prepared by sautéing fresh spinach until wilted, followed by marinated artichoke hearts to add tangy flavor. Cream cheese is stirred in and melted to form a thick base, with garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhancing the seasoning. Gradually, milk is added and the sauce brought to a gentle boil, creating a velvety texture.
Shredded mozzarella is melted into the sauce, contributing creaminess and stretch, before combining the cooked penne to coat each piece thoroughly. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a sharp, nutty accent and served warm.
This pasta can be adapted with different pasta shapes and dairy substitutes if needed. Additional proteins like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp could be incorporated for heartier meals. Leftover pasta can be reheated with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce consistency.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked, (2 cups dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 ounces spinach fresh, roughly chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts marinated, roughly chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 2 cups milk I used 2%
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Add the olive oil to a large saucepan or Dutch oven and heat over medium heat.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Add the artichoke hearts and cook for another minute.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and there are no lumps.
- Stir int he garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add the milk and cook, stirring occasionally until it comes to a boil.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese then add the pasta and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve while warm.
Notes
- Penne is used here, but any pasta shape can be substituted; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Non-dairy milk and vegan cheeses can replace dairy ingredients for dietary preferences.
- Adding protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas enhances dish substance.
- Save some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce thickness during mixing or reheating.
- Reheat leftovers gently, adding a little milk to restore creaminess if the sauce thickens.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 474 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 474kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 62mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 584mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 361mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 3851IU | 77% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 321mg | 32% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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