![- 300g pasta (such as fettuccine or penne) - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 can (400g) artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish I love using fresh ingredients for the best flavor. The pasta is the base of this dish. You can pick any shape you like, but I often choose fettuccine or penne. They hold the sauce well. Spinach adds a bright green color and a healthy touch. Artichoke hearts bring a unique taste and texture. I always prefer fresh spinach, but you can use frozen if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. For the creamy sauce, heavy cream and cream cheese blend to create a rich base. Parmesan cheese adds a savory note that ties everything together. Don’t forget the garlic! It gives a warm, fragrant flavor. The oregano and red pepper flakes add depth and a little kick. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, a drizzle of olive oil enhances the dish while fresh basil makes for a beautiful garnish. For the full recipe, make sure to check out the recipe section above. - Bring salted water to a boil. - Add 300g of pasta and cook until al dente. - Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. - Sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic for about 1 minute. - Stir in 2 cups of chopped spinach and 1 can of drained artichoke hearts. - Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts down. - Lower the heat and mix in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of softened cream cheese. - Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. - Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Season with 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. - If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in some reserved pasta water until you like the texture. - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. - Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. - Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. - Serve with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Enjoy your creamy spinach and artichoke pasta! To prevent curdling the cream, keep the heat low. If the heat is too high, the cream may break. Stir the sauce gently as you mix in the cream. This helps keep it smooth and creamy. To achieve the right thickness, use pasta water. Reserve one cup of pasta water before you drain the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water. Mix it in slowly until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. How do you know when pasta is al dente? Taste it! Al dente pasta should be firm but not hard. It should have a slight bite to it. This texture holds up well when mixed with the sauce. To avoid overcooking pasta, set a timer. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Check the pasta a minute early. This way, you can ensure it stays al dente. You can add more vegetables or protein to the dish. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or grilled chicken. These additions can boost flavor and nutrition. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, skip them altogether. You can also add fresh herbs for extra flavor. {{image_2}} If you need a gluten-free option, choose pasta made from rice or chickpeas. These work great and taste good, too. For a dairy-free creamy sauce, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and cream cheese. You can find these options easily in stores. Different cheeses can really change the taste. Try adding mozzarella for a stretchy texture, or goat cheese for a tangy kick. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness. Just chop them finely and stir them in at the end for a burst of flavor. You can bake this dish for a new twist. Transfer the pasta and sauce to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. Another fun idea is to serve it cold as a pasta salad. Just let it cool and toss in some cherry tomatoes or olives for extra flavor. For the full recipe, check out the link. To keep your creamy spinach and artichoke pasta fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers for best results. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing the container. This helps keep moisture out and prevents soggy pasta. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently. You can use a skillet over low heat or a microwave. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of reserved pasta water. This will help maintain the sauce’s consistency and flavor. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta! However, the texture may change slightly. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. When it’s time to eat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a skillet. Add a bit of cream or milk to restore the creaminess. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal any time. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can use frozen spinach. It works well and saves time. Just thaw it first and drain excess water. This way, your sauce stays creamy and doesn’t get watery. You can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as a substitute for cream cheese. Both options offer a creamy texture. If you're dairy-free, try using cashew cream or coconut cream for a similar effect. Yes! To make it vegan, use plant-based cream cheese and heavy cream. Also, choose a dairy-free cheese. This way, you can enjoy a creamy dish without any animal products. To add spice, mix in more red pepper flakes or hot sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Start with a little, and adjust to your taste. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. For the best flavor, try to serve it fresh! For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. In this post, we explored a creamy spinach and artichoke pasta recipe. We covered the main ingredients, creamy sauce components, and step-by-step instructions. Plus, I shared tips, variations, and storage advice. Now you can cook a delicious meal that's easy to customize. Enjoy making this dish, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Cooking should be fun and satisfying, so get creative!](https://mydishspin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/0c0b82b3-34f8-4fe3-93f1-af9c93c407fb-250x250.webp)
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
Indulge in this creamy spinach and artichoke pasta that’s both flavorful and easy to make! With simple ingredients like fresh spinach, artichokes, and a rich cream sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delightful meal that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta nights!