Spinach Artichoke Pasta is a delightful and creamy dish that brings together the rich flavors of spinach and artichokes in perfect harmony. This pasta recipe captures the essence of comfort food while adding a twist with its luscious cheese sauce. Whether you are looking for a delightful weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, Spinach Artichoke Pasta offers a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Why We Love This Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe
This Spinach Artichoke Pasta recipe has earned a special place in our hearts for many reasons. First and foremost, it incorporates the classic flavors of a popular appetizer — spinach and artichoke dip — into a pasta dish that is both tasty and satisfying. The creamy sauce, rich with cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella, coats every strand of fettuccine beautifully, making each bite a heavenly experience. It is a wonderful way to sneak in greens while pleasing even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it can be customized according to your preferences, making it a versatile recipe that you will want to revisit time and time again.
Ingredients about Spinach Artichoke Pasta
To whip up this mouthwatering Spinach Artichoke Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 16 ounces fettuccine
- 1/2 cup pasta water, optional, as needed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups canned artichokes, drained and chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs for optional garnish
How to Make Spinach Artichoke Pasta Directions
Now that you have gathered the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. First, take those thawed spinach leaves and press them between several layers of paper towels. Rolling them up like a jelly roll and pressing firmly helps to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring that your dish won’t become watery. Once done, unroll the spinach, fluff it with a fork, and set it aside.
Next, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook for about 8 minutes until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta, making sure to reserve half a cup of pasta water, then set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, cut your room-temperature cream cheese into 1/2-inch chunks and place them into a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the cream, then stir until the cream cheese melts into a creamy mixture. Next, add in your minced garlic, along with the freshly shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring as the cheeses melt and turn the mixture bubbly and rich.
Once the cheese mixture is ready, stir in the sour cream and mayonnaise, creating an even creamier sauce. It’s a flavor explosion just waiting to happen! Add the cooked spinach and drained artichokes, stirring everything together until heated through, which should take around 2 minutes. If you find the sauce a little too thick, you can add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Don’t forget to season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste before tossing in the drained fettuccine. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. To finish, garnish your dish with fresh herbs of your choice for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Your Spinach Artichoke Pasta is now ready to serve! This delicious dish shines as the star of any meal, making it perfect for both casual dining and entertaining guests. To present it beautifully, place portions of the creamy pasta onto plates or into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or basil, for that vibrant touch.
Pairing your pasta with a fresh side salad and some crusty bread can turn this dish into a complete meal. The refreshing crunch of the salad complements the rich flavors of the pasta, while the bread can be perfect for wiping up any leftover sauce from your plate. Whether enjoyed at the dining table or straight from the stovetop, Spinach Artichoke Pasta is sure to delight your taste buds.
Expert Tips: Spinach Artichoke Pasta
If you want to take your Spinach Artichoke Pasta to the next level, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Spinach: If possible, swap frozen spinach for fresh spinach. Sauté the fresh spinach in a little olive oil until wilted. It will add an aromatic fresh flavor to the dish.
- Incorporate Other Cheeses: For a unique twist, feel free to mix in other cheese options like goat cheese or fontina to enhance the creamy texture and flavor complexity.
- Add a Protein: To make this dish even heartier, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp. It pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy flavors of the sauce.
- Add Spice: For a bit of a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into your sauce while cooking. It adds a nice warmth that complements the richness.
- Mind the Salt: Be cautious when seasoning your dish. Cheese and mayonnaise are naturally salty, so it’s best to taste before adding too much extra salt.
How to Store Spinach Artichoke Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry! Storing Spinach Artichoke Pasta is easy. Allow the dish to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or additional cream if necessary to keep it creamy.
For longer storage, you can freeze Spinach Artichoke Pasta. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Always make sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.
Variation of Spinach Artichoke Pasta
There are so many delightful ways to customize your Spinach Artichoke Pasta that the possibilities seem endless. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Pasta Shapes: While fettuccine is a classic choice, experimenting with different pasta shapes like penne or rotini can add visual appeal and fun textures to the dish.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
- Make it Vegan: If you’re looking for a vegan version, use cashew cream and nutritional yeast to replace the dairy products. You can also opt for chickpea or lentil pasta as a hearty alternative.
- Spicy Spinach Artichoke Pasta: For a spicy kick, incorporate chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture.
- Creamy and Dreamy: To elevate the creaminess, incorporate ricotta or cottage cheese to the cheese sauce for an added layer of texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Is Spinach Artichoke Pasta easy to make?
Yes! Spinach Artichoke Pasta is quite simple to make, requiring only a few steps and common ingredients. It’s perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned?
You can use fresh artichokes, but the preparation is more time-consuming. Canned artichokes are convenient and still provide great flavor.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can make it healthier by using whole grain or gluten-free pasta and reducing the amount of cheese. Adding more vegetables can also enhance the nutritional value!
Can I prepare Spinach Artichoke Pasta in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and combine it with the pasta when you are ready to serve. Just ensure to store everything correctly.
What can I serve with Spinach Artichoke Pasta?
For a complete meal, serve the pasta with a fresh side salad and crusty bread. You can also complement it with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces fettuccine Pasta of your choice can be used.
- 6 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed You can substitute with fresh spinach.
- 1½ cups canned artichokes, drained and chopped Fresh artichokes can also be used.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup cream Feel free to adjust based on desired creaminess.
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup pasta water, optional Use as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish Parsley or basil recommended.
Instructions
Preparation
- Thaw the frozen spinach and press it between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the fettuccine to the boiling water and cook for about 8 minutes until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Cut the room-temperature cream cheese into ½-inch chunks.
Cooking
- In a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, add the cream cheese and cream, stirring until melted.
- Add the minced garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until melted and bubbly.
- Incorporate the sour cream and mayonnaise into the mixture.
- Add the cooked spinach and drained artichokes and stir until heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Adjust the sauce's thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Toss the drained fettuccine into the sauce, mixing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
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