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To make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta, you need the following: - 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste For a bit more kick or taste, consider these extras: - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish This dish serves four and packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. Here's a rough breakdown per serving: - Calories: 500 - Protein: 18g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fat: 25g - Fiber: 2g Enjoy the creamy goodness while knowing you're fueling your body! First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This adds flavor to your pasta. Add 8 oz of pasta, like fettuccine or penne. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside for later. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells nice. Then, add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Cook this for 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts down. This adds a fresh taste and bright color to the dish. Now, stir in 1 can of quartered artichoke hearts. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm them through. Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir well until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to get your desired creaminess. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta and mix until well coated. Add salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. To cook pasta just right, start with a big pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add 8 oz of your choice, like fettuccine or penne. Check the package for cooking time. Aim for al dente, which means firm but not hard. This gives your pasta a nice bite. Save 1 cup of pasta water before you drain it. This water can help adjust your sauce later. For a great creamy sauce, use heavy cream and cream cheese. Start by heating a skillet over low heat. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and blends in. If the sauce gets too thick, use that reserved pasta water. Add it slowly until you reach your desired creaminess. This technique keeps your sauce smooth and rich. To boost the flavors, don't skip the garlic. 2 cloves of minced garlic add a lovely aroma. Sauté it with olive oil for about 1 minute before adding spinach. Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish. They add a pop of color and flavor to your dish. {{image_2}} If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this dish. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. If you want a lighter meal, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based cream. You can also use vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version. These substitutions keep the flavors rich while catering to your needs. You can change up the pasta for this dish. Fettuccine and penne work well, but don’t stop there! Try using whole wheat pasta for added fiber or chickpea pasta for more protein. Even zoodles, or zucchini noodles, can be a fun way to make it low-carb. Each pasta type adds its own unique twist to the creamy sauce. Want to make this meal heartier? You can add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs nicely with the creamy sauce. If you want more veggies, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms. They add color and texture to your dish. Feel free to mix and match these add-ins to suit your taste. Each addition makes the meal even more delicious! To keep your creamy spinach artichoke pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let the pasta cool down first. This helps it stay tasty. In the fridge, it can last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it instead. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the microwave, place your pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. On the stovetop, add a splash of water to a skillet and heat over low heat. Stir until warm. This keeps the creamy sauce smooth. If you want to freeze your creamy pasta, follow these steps. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, portion it into small containers or freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce. Let them cool. Store in separate containers in the fridge. When ready, warm them up together in a skillet. Add a splash of water if it seems dry. This keeps the meal tasty and fresh. Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian. It uses spinach and artichokes for flavor. The cream and cheese add richness. If you want to make it vegan, swap the cream and cheese for plant-based options. Use coconut milk and cashew cheese for a creamy result. This pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad with lemon dressing - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - Roasted vegetables for added nutrition - Grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost Each option will enhance your meal and make it even better. You learned how to make Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta. We covered the key ingredients and cooking steps. With tips for perfect pasta and sauce, you can skip the guesswork. I shared variations to suit different diets and preferences. You can also store leftovers easily. This dish is simple and delicious. Now, you can impress friends and family with your cooking! Enjoy the creamy goodness and make it your own.

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Savor the flavors of this creamy spinach artichoke pasta that’s easy to whip up and utterly delicious! With fresh spinach, tender artichokes, and a rich cream sauce, this dish will become a family favorite in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's ready in just 30 minutes. Dive into the full recipe for step-by-step instructions and elevate your dinner game. Click to explore this delightful meal!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

      Add Artichokes: Stir in the quartered artichoke hearts and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm them through.

        Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

          Mix in Cheese: Gradually incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

            Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat well. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.

              Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of flavor and color.

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