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This dish is all about rich flavors and simple prep. Here’s what you need: - 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, well-drained and chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gather these ingredients for a creamy spinach and artichoke pasta that anyone can make. You’ll love how the fresh spinach and artichokes mix with the creamy sauce. Using quality ingredients makes all the difference in flavor. Check out the Full Recipe for Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Delight for step-by-step guidance! Start by boiling water in a big pot. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, add 12 oz of your favorite pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, following the package directions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and save a small cup of the water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest. Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell good but not turn brown. Next, toss in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook this for 2 to 3 minutes. Wait until the spinach wilts. Then, add 1 can of chopped artichoke hearts. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring often. Now, lower the heat and add 1 cup of softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until it melts and blends well with the veggies. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while mixing it in. This makes your sauce smooth and rich. Next, sprinkle in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Stir everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Carefully fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Use tongs or a big spoon to mix it gently. Ensure every piece of pasta gets coated in that delicious sauce. Heat everything together for about 2 minutes. This step warms up the pasta and blends the flavors nicely. Once everything is well combined, it's time to serve! Spoon the creamy spinach and artichoke pasta into bowls or plates. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a nice touch. The bright color and aroma will make your dish stand out. Enjoy your meal with a smile! Cooking pasta just right is key. Al dente means "to the tooth," or soft but firm. Use a large pot with plenty of salted water. Bring it to a boil before adding your chosen pasta. Follow the package time closely. Test the pasta a minute early. It should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain it and save some water for later. The secret to a creamy sauce lies in the pasta water. After boiling, save a ladle of this starchy water. If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of this water. It helps blend the flavors and makes the sauce smoother. This technique can really elevate your dish! You can mix things up by swapping ingredients. If you want a twist, try different pasta types like whole wheat or gluten-free. For the creaminess, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. If you’re looking for extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or olives. Always taste as you go, and have fun! {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great choices. If you use chicken, grill or sauté it first. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. For shrimp, sauté them until they turn pink. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu and cube it. Sauté it until golden. Mix your choice of protein with the creamy sauce before adding the pasta. This makes the meal heartier. If you want a vegetarian version, just skip the meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you choose to add some. For a vegan option, swap out the cream cheese and heavy cream for cashew cream or coconut milk. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can still enjoy all the rich flavors while keeping it plant-based. Mixing in other vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté them along with the garlic for the best taste. You can also add broccoli or peas for a pop of color and crunch. The more veggies you add, the more fun it is. This way, you can customize your creamy spinach and artichoke pasta delight to your taste. After you finish your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just take it out and warm it up. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat your pasta, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir frequently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps keep the pasta from drying out. Enjoy your creamy spinach and artichoke pasta just like fresh! Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw it first and drain excess water. This helps keep your sauce from becoming watery. Fresh spinach gives a brighter taste, but frozen works well in a pinch. To make the sauce healthier, try using low-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. You can also add Greek yogurt for extra creaminess without all the fat. Using whole grain pasta boosts the fiber content too. This dish pairs well with a side salad. You can also serve garlic bread or grilled chicken for extra protein. A light white wine complements the creamy flavors nicely. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to revive the creaminess. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy making this creamy delight! You learned how to make Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You can adjust this recipe for more flavors or protein. Don’t forget to try different veggies or store leftovers properly. This dish is fun and easy to make. Enjoy a comforting meal that impresses your friends and family! Happy cooking!

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

Indulge in a creamy spinach and artichoke pasta delight that will impress your taste buds! This easy recipe combines al dente pasta with rich cream cheese, fresh spinach, and artichokes for a dish that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for any night of the week, this comforting meal can be on your table in just 30 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz pasta (choose your favorite: fettuccine, penne, or rotini)

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, well-drained and chopped

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a spacious pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well, reserving a small ladle of the pasta water for later use, and set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

      Incorporate Spinach and Artichokes: Toss in the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

        Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese directly into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and integrates with the spinach and artichokes. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while mixing, ensuring the sauce is smooth and creamy.

          Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if you're opting for a bit of a kick), along with salt and pepper. Stir well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is thoroughly seasoned. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, using tongs or a large spoon to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Allow the pasta to heat through for about 2 minutes, ensuring it's all warmed up nicely.

              Serve with Style: Transfer the creamy spinach and artichoke pasta onto serving plates or bowls. Finish with a flourish by garnishing each dish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and vibrant touch.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4