It’s like a party in your mouth when you dive into Spinach Artichoke Pasta. Imagine twirling your fork through a luscious cream sauce that hugs tender pasta while vibrant green spinach and hearty artichokes playfully dance alongside. The aromas wafting from the pot will make your stomach sing and your taste buds tingle in anticipation of every bite.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- How do I make this dish vegan-friendly?
- What pasta works best for this recipe?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s about memories. Picture this: friends gathered around the table after a long week, laughter filling the air as you serve up bowls of this rich and comforting meal. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, Spinach Artichoke Pasta has the magic to turn an ordinary evening into something special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy spinach artichoke pasta is incredibly easy to whip up on busy nights.
- Its rich flavors are sure to impress everyone at your table.
- With its vibrant green color, it makes for a stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
- It’s versatile enough to be served as a main dish or a side, depending on your mood!
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it so fast they practically left me with just the empty bowl!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Choose any type you love—fettuccine or penne work wonders for holding onto that creamy sauce.
- Fresh Spinach: Use bright green leaves for optimal flavor; baby spinach wilts down beautifully in the sauce.
- Canned Artichokes: Look for marinated ones for added flavor; they give the dish that extra oomph.
- Heavy Cream: A must-have ingredient for richness; feel free to substitute with cashew cream if you’re dairy-free.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it adds salty depth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings aromatic warmth; don’t skimp on this essential flavor booster.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed until translucent and fragrant.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its fruity notes; it’s ideal for sautéing veggies and enhancing flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic but vital seasoning to elevate all those delicious components in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in some olive oil and toss in chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and onions turn translucent.
Add Spinach and Artichokes: Stir in fresh spinach until wilted down; then add drained artichokes. Cook until everything is heated through and combined well.
Create the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet while stirring continuously. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it all to simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Toss with Pasta: Carefully mix in cooked pasta until coated evenly with that heavenly cream sauce. If it’s too thick, feel free to splash in some reserved pasta water.
Serve Hot!: Dish out generous portions onto plates or bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired—enjoy every bite!
Spinach Artichoke Pasta is not just food; it’s an experience filled with warmth and laughter shared among loved ones. So grab your ingredients, gather around the stove, and let’s create some unforgettable moments together!
You Must Know
- Great spinach artichoke pasta starts with fresh ingredients.
- Use cream cheese for a rich and creamy sauce.
- Don’t skip the garlic!
- Sautéing fresh garlic adds a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta until al dente. While that’s happening, sauté garlic, then add in artichokes and spinach before mixing everything together with cream cheese.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a delightful kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat on the stove or microwave until warm, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect spinach artichoke pasta, ensure you cook the pasta just right—al dente keeps it from becoming mushy.
- Fresh vegetables make all the difference, so choose wisely.
- Lastly, keep stirring while you mix in your sauce to ensure even coverage and flavor distribution!
That time I prepared spinach artichoke pasta for my friends’ gathering, and they devoured every last bite was unforgettable! The compliments kept coming, and I felt like a superstar chef that night.
FAQ
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
How do I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free alternatives for a delicious vegan option.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Fusilli or penne are great choices as they hold the sauce well and provide delightful bites.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Spinach Artichoke Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Spinach Artichoke Pasta is a creamy, vibrant dish bursting with flavors of fresh spinach and artichokes. Perfect for any gathering, it’s both delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) marinated artichokes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or cashew cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add fresh spinach and artichokes; cook until spinach is wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream, add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms.
- To make it vegan-friendly, substitute heavy cream with cashew cream or any dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg