How to Make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you looking for an easy, comforting, and delicious meal to enjoy at home? Creamy spinach artichoke pasta is the answer! This dish takes inspiration from the classic spinach artichoke dip and transforms it into a hearty main course. It’s cheesy, creamy, and packed with veggies, making it a perfect blend of indulgence and wholesomeness.
Best of all, you don’t need fancy ingredients or cooking skills to whip this up. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create creamy spinach artichoke pasta in your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family or guests with this satisfying homemade dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients in hand. This recipe serves about 4 people:
Pasta:
- 12 oz (about 340 grams) of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta works great)
Sauce & Veggies:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped) or 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- 1 cup jarred artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped, optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (whole or any type you prefer)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Garnish (optional):
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
- More grated parmesan on top
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add your pasta, and cook until al dente (firm to the bite). Be sure not to overcook the pasta since it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Artichokes
Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Next, add the spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts down completely. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and drained well before adding it in. After the spinach has softened, toss in the chopped artichoke hearts. Stir everything together, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
Season the cooked veggies with a little salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Removing excess moisture from the veggies is important to keep the sauce creamy instead of watery.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now it’s time for the magic—the creamy sauce! Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, milk, and cream cheese to the skillet with the veggies. Stir continuously so the cream cheese melts evenly and combines well with the liquid.
Once the sauce starts to thicken, add the shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Check the consistency—if it feels too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out slightly.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy spinach artichoke sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. This step is best done gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Your creamy spinach artichoke pasta is ready to serve! Transfer it to bowls or plates and sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Add extra grated parmesan cheese for that cheesy finish.
Pair this dish with garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or just enjoy it on its own. You’ve created a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Helpful Tips for Success:
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize this recipe! You can add grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Reheating Leftovers: If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat, and add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
- Healthier Option: Swap heavy cream and cream cheese with a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese, and choose whole-grain pasta for a nutritious twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy spinach artichoke pasta is a crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort to make. The warm, cheesy sauce combined with tender pasta and veggies feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Now that you know how simple it is to create this flavorful recipe, gather your ingredients, and start cooking—you deserve a creamy pasta masterpiece today!
Let us know how yours turns out in the comments, and happy cooking!
