Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta (Print version)
Pasta with tender spinach and artichokes in a smooth, cheesy cream sauce for easy dinners.
# What you'll need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or rigatoni
→ Vegetables
02 - 7 oz fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
03 - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
→ Dairy
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
10 - 1/4 cup whole milk
→ Seasonings
11 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - 1/2 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
13 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
→ Garnish
14 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
15 - Chopped fresh parsley
# How to make it:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
02 - Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in quartered artichoke hearts and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, gently breaking up larger pieces.
04 - Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
05 - Lower the heat and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and fully combined.
06 - Pour in heavy cream and whole milk. Stir in grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
07 - Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water in small amounts until desired consistency is reached.
08 - Plate immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- This dish blends fresh veggies with creamy, cheesy goodness that feels indulgent yet nourishing
- It comes together quickly, making weeknight dinners feel special without extra fuss
02 -
- Reserving pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency, making it luxuriously smooth
- Using cream cheese gives the sauce that rich, velvety texture that sets this dish apart
03 -
- Toast the Parmesan slightly before adding it for an extra nutty flavor
- Let the sauce simmer low and slow to meld all the flavors perfectly