Spinach Artichoke Pasta

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Are you looking for a quick and tasty meal? Spinach artichoke pasta is perfect for you! This dish takes your favorite dip and turns it into a yummy dinner. You can make this creamy pasta in just 20 minutes with only a few simple ingredients.

The recipe uses penne pasta, cream cheese, and lots of veggies. You’ll love the mix of tender pasta, healthy spinach, and creamy sauce. It’s easy to make and tastes great. Give it a try for your next family dinner!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy spinach artichoke pasta:

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t forget to grab some extra Parmesan for sprinkling on top if you like!

This recipe makes 6 servings. It’s super quick to make – you’ll only need about 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. Each serving has around 349 calories.

The ingredients list is pretty simple. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already. The key players are the pasta, cream cheese, spinach, and artichokes.

Remember, you can use chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference. Both work great in this recipe!

Instructions

Cook the pasta in a big pot of salty water. Follow the package directions and cook it until it’s just right. Before you drain it, save 1/2 cup of the water.

While the pasta cooks, heat some oil in a big pan. Add garlic and cook it for a minute or two until it smells good.

Next, put cream cheese, broth, milk, Parmesan, and mustard in the pan. Stir it all up until the cheese melts and it’s nice and smooth.

Add spinach and artichokes to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach gets soft.

Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if you want. If it’s too thick, add some of that pasta water you saved.

Now, mix in the cooked pasta. Make sure it gets coated with all the yummy sauce.

Serve it up hot! If you like, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top. Dig in and enjoy your tasty meal!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily switch up this tasty pasta dish! Try swapping penne for fusilli or bowties. Don’t have cream cheese? Use Greek yogurt instead for a tangy twist.

Veggie lovers can add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. For extra protein, toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp.

Here are more easy swaps:

• Spinach → Kale or Swiss chard
• Parmesan → Pecorino Romano or Asiago
• Chicken broth → Vegetable broth (for vegetarian version)

Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. Craving crunch? Top with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs.

For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and milk. You can also try whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.

Don’t like artichokes? Leave them out and double the spinach. Or try adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

Remember, cooking is fun! Feel free to play around with the recipe and make it your own.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For extra flavor, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the dish. They’ll give a nice tangy kick to complement the creamy sauce.

You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the sauce.

To make this dish ahead, prepare the sauce and store it separately from the cooked pasta. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine.

Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. This helps bring back the creamy texture.

For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat pasta or even zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta.

If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Don’t forget to save some pasta water! It’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed.