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Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

creamy spinach artichoke pasta - featured image
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A quick and comforting creamy spinach artichoke pasta ready in just 20 minutes, featuring a rich sauce made with cream cheese, spinach, and artichokes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 ounces (140g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or baby spinach)
  • 1 cup (about 240g) canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole milk preferred, dairy-free alternatives okay)
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts to the skillet. Stir and cook until spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes, warming the artichokes through without breaking them apart.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Add softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring to melt it into the veggies. Slowly pour in ½ cup (120ml) milk, whisking to form a smooth sauce. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each piece with sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let flavors combine.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more Parmesan or salt as preferred.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley.

Notes

Salt pasta water generously for best flavor. Melt cream cheese on low heat and whisk continuously to avoid clumping. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Prepare all ingredients before cooking to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, spinach pasta, artichoke pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-spinach-artichoke-pasta-recipe-easy-20-minute-comfort-meal/