There’s something so comforting about a creamy pasta dish, don’t you think? It just wraps you in a warm hug! My spinach artichoke pasta dish takes that cozy feeling and elevates it with the delightful flavors of tender spinach and tangy artichokes. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up! Seriously, within just 25 minutes, you can have a rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal on the table. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress friends without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
To make my delicious spinach artichoke pasta dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta: Any type you love, like penne or rotini works great!
- 1 cup spinach, chopped: Fresh or frozen, just make sure it’s chopped up nicely.
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped: Canned or frozen, just give them a good chop.
- 1 cup cream: Heavy cream adds a luscious richness, but half-and-half will work too!
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Who doesn’t love gooey cheese, right?
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated: For that extra cheesy goodness!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes everything better.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: To sauté the veggies and bring them together.
- Salt and pepper: Just to taste, to bring out all those flavors!
How to Prepare Spinach Artichoke Pasta Dish
Now, let’s get cooking! This spinach artichoke pasta dish comes together quickly and easily, so let’s dive into each step!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, boil a big pot of water and add a generous pinch of salt. Once it’s bubbling, toss in your 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente perfection. When it’s done, drain the pasta but save a splash of that starchy water!
Sautéing Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, throw in 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add in your chopped spinach and artichoke hearts, cooking until the spinach wilts, which should take just a few minutes. Yum!
Creating the Sauce
Next, pour in 1 cup of cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is melted and beautifully combined. The sauce should be creamy and luscious!
Combining and Serving
Finally, add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If it looks a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up! Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm. I love to top mine with extra cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that little extra touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of creamy sauce, savory garlic, and the delightful taste of spinach and artichokes is simply irresistible.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a delicious meat-free option that even non-vegetarians will adore!
- Customizable: Feel free to add in extra veggies or swap cheeses for your personal touch.
- Comfort Food: It’s that cozy, satisfying meal that hits the spot every time!
Tips for Success
To really nail this spinach artichoke pasta dish, here are my top tips! First, don’t overcook your pasta; it should be al dente since it’ll continue cooking when mixed with the sauce. If you want extra creaminess, feel free to add more cheese or a splash of pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Also, make sure to sauté the garlic just until fragrant—burnt garlic can ruin the flavor. And lastly, taste as you go! Adjusting salt and pepper at the end can make all the difference in elevating those delicious flavors. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful spinach artichoke pasta dish. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 4g
This dish is a great balance of indulgence and nutrition, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Can I make this spinach artichoke pasta dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta, then combine them just before serving. It’s a great time-saver for busy nights!
What can I substitute for cream? If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version. Just keep an eye on the consistency!
Is this dish kid-friendly? Yes! The creamy sauce and cheesy goodness make it a hit with kids. You can even add in some cooked chicken or other veggies to please picky eaters.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, but the texture may change slightly when reheating. Store in an airtight container and consume within a month for the best taste.
What other ingredients can I add? Feel free to mix in cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some red pepper flakes for a kick! The options are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your spinach artichoke pasta dish, let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just scoop out the portion you want and pop it in the microwave. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. If it seems a little dry, don’t hesitate to splash in a bit of cream or pasta water to get that creamy goodness back! Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Spinach Artichoke Pasta Dish: 5-Minute Comfort Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful spinach artichoke pasta dish that is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add spinach and artichoke hearts, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine the pasta with the sauce, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Adjust cheese quantities for desired creaminess.
- Can be topped with extra cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: spinach artichoke pasta dish