If you love the creamy, savory goodness of classic spinach artichoke dip, just wait until you try this Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe. It effortlessly transforms those beloved dip flavors into a luscious pasta dish that’s both comforting and bright. Picture tender pasta drenched in a velvety cream cheese sauce, studded with tender artichoke hearts, and vibrant spinach, all perfectly seasoned to make your taste buds sing. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings that irresistible warm and cozy feeling straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple with a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a starring role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the richness of cream cheese to the freshness of baby spinach, every component is essential for that perfect balance.
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite shape; penne or rotini work wonderfully for holding the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for sautéing the aromatics.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and depth once caramelized.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch.
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Lightens the sauce and adds subtle savoriness.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the dish that makes this pasta irresistibly silky.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A delicate herb blend that complements the spinach and artichokes.
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts (drained and chopped): Adds a tender texture and a slightly tangy flavor twist.
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach (packed): Provides vibrant color and fresh, mild earthiness.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Boosts umami and adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
This is a key step that makes or breaks your sauce texture. If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, the sauce will have lumps that don’t blend nicely. Leave it out at room temperature for a couple hours or zap it in the microwave for about 30 seconds until creamy and spreadable.
Step 2: Cook Pasta Al Dente
Start boiling a large pot of salted water, and cook the pasta just until tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of the hot pasta water before you drain it — this starchy liquid will help you loosen the sauce later.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and let it sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until it turns soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a quick 30 seconds — you want that garlicky aroma without browning it.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add your softened cream cheese and sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top. Stir consistently for 3 to 4 minutes until the cream cheese mostly melts into the broth, creating a luscious sauce. Don’t worry if some small lumps remain; these will continue to soften once combined with the pasta water and vegetables.
Step 5: Incorporate Artichokes and Spinach
Remove the skillet from heat before folding in the chopped artichoke hearts and fresh baby spinach. Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and start tossing everything gently. Gradually add more pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency while the spinach just begins to wilt and blend in beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Pasta
Stir the freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts slightly and enhances the flavor depth. Next, add your drained pasta directly into the skillet, tossing to coat every piece luxuriously. Adjust with a little more pasta water if needed, then finish with a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Serve your creation immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle extra parmesan or some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick. A few fresh basil leaves or freshly chopped parsley can add a pop of color and a layer of herbal brightness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands well on its own, but if you want a full meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is another excellent choice to mop up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe shine visually by plating it in shallow bowls and topping with a lemon zest sprinkle for a citrusy contrast. Alternatively, serve in small ramekins as a fun side for larger dinners or potlucks — it’s just as impressive and irresistibly delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe, but it’s best to do so without the parmesan cheese mixed in. Freeze in meal-sized containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to warm evenly and avoid drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze any excess water out before adding it to the sauce so your pasta doesn’t become watery.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It can easily be vegetarian by choosing vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, keeping it flavorful and suitable for vegetarian diets.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Shapes like rotini, penne, or shells do a great job holding the creamy sauce, but feel free to use what you love or have on hand.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu all make fantastic additions for extra heartiness.
How spicy is the dish?
This Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe is mild by nature, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a nice little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — comforting, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors. It’s surprisingly quick to pull together and bound to become one of your go-to recipes when craving something indulgent yet fresh. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on your regular rotation for good reasons. So grab your ingredients and start cooking — your taste buds will thank you!
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Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful Spinach Artichoke Pasta combining tender pasta with a rich sauce made from cream cheese, garlic, and parmesan, enhanced by fresh spinach and artichoke hearts. Perfect for a comforting and quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block Philadelphia), softened
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 3 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is very soft before starting. Microwave it for 30 seconds if it hasn’t been left out to soften naturally.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente following package directions. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to medium, then add broth, softened cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cream cheese mostly melts, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Remove skillet from heat. Add artichoke hearts and fresh spinach along with a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water gradually to thin the sauce and wilt the spinach.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir grated parmesan cheese into the sauce until well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Add a splash more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using fresh baby spinach provides a tender texture and fresh flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Microwaving the cream cheese helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Italian seasoning adds an herby depth but can be adjusted to your preference.
- To keep it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
