Go Back
This creamy spinach and artichoke pasta is a delightful dish. It is rich and full of flavor. You can make it in about 30 minutes. The meal serves four people, making it perfect for a family dinner. - 12 oz. fettuccine pasta - 1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) You can swap fettuccine for penne or spaghetti. If you don’t have fresh spinach, use frozen. Canned artichokes work great, too. For a lighter dish, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Vegan cheese can replace the mozzarella and Parmesan. Use your favorite herbs if you lack Italian seasoning. Start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 12 oz. of fettuccine pasta. Cook it as the package says, usually about 8-10 minutes. Look for al dente, which means the pasta is firm but cooked. Once it's ready, drain the pasta. Save 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later. Set the drained pasta aside. Grab a big skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil glimmers, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell nice, not brown. Next, throw in 1 can of coarsely chopped artichoke hearts. Cook these for 2-3 minutes, stirring a bit. They should be warm and mixed well with the garlic. Now, add 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes. Watch as it wilts down a lot. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. Gradually add in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet next. Toss everything together so the pasta gets coated in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix gently and serve hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like. You can find the Full Recipe above for more details. To make a smooth sauce, use heavy cream. Heat it gently over low heat. Stir in the cheeses slowly. This helps them melt nicely and blend well. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. It will loosen the sauce without losing flavor. Do not rush the cooking of the garlic. It can burn easily, making it bitter. Also, avoid adding cheese too quickly. This can cause clumps. Make sure to stir constantly while adding cheese. Finally, do not skip seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance the dish's taste. You can boost the flavor by adding crushed red pepper flakes. This adds a nice kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten the dish. You might also try a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh touch. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp. {{image_4}} For a vegetarian twist, you can swap the fettuccine for a whole grain or gluten-free pasta. This keeps the dish light and healthy. You might also add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. They bring extra taste and color to your plate. If you want more protein, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp. These options blend well with the creamy sauce. For a plant-based choice, toss in chickpeas or lentils. They add substance and keep the dish filling. You can use any pasta shape you like. Penne or rotini work great in this dish. They hold the creamy sauce well. If you're feeling adventurous, try using zoodles. They are zucchini noodles and add a fresh twist to your creamy spinach and artichoke pasta. To store leftovers, let the creamy spinach and artichoke pasta cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you will know when to enjoy it again! When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can do this on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water or cream to prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir it often until heated through. In the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. You can freeze this creamy pasta dish if you want to save it for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can prepare this creamy spinach and artichoke pasta in advance. Cook the fettuccine and make the sauce separately. Once cooled, store them in airtight containers. Keep the pasta and sauce in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Yes, you can use low-fat ingredients in this recipe. Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy option like almond milk. You can also use low-fat mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Keep in mind, the sauce may not be as rich, but it will still taste great. If you don’t have artichokes, use other veggies. Chopped mushrooms or zucchini can work well. You can also try sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor. These substitutes will give your pasta a unique twist while keeping it delicious. This blog post covered all you need for a delicious fettuccine dish. We discussed the key ingredients, how to cook your pasta, and create that creamy sauce. I shared useful tips to avoid mistakes and highlighted tasty variations you can try. Don't forget about storage and reheating to keep your meal fresh. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and having fun. Enjoy your cooking journey, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

Indulge in the creamy spinach and artichoke fettuccine delight that's both comforting and delicious! This simple recipe combines fettuccine with a rich sauce made from artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, and melted cheeses that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a special dinner, this dish is easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the recipe and bring this tasty meal to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz. fettuccine pasta

1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.

    In a spacious skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Incorporate the chopped artichoke hearts into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through.

        Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down significantly.

          Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to blend the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

            Gradually sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until all the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is luxuriously creamy.

              Carefully add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If you find the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

                Season the pasta with Italian seasoning, along with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Mix gently to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the dish.

                  Serve the creamy spinach and artichoke fettuccine hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and color, if desired.

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