![To make Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta, gather these ingredients: - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup milk - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh basil, for garnish You can swap some ingredients to fit your taste or needs: - Pasta: Use any pasta shape you prefer, like fusilli or rotini. - Cream Cheese: Try ricotta or a dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter option. - Cheeses: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a different flavor. - Spinach: Frozen spinach works too; just make sure to thaw and drain it well. - Artichokes: Fresh artichokes can be used if you have them on hand. Choosing between fresh and canned ingredients can change your dish's taste and texture. - Fresh Spinach: Offers a vibrant color and crispness. It wilts nicely when cooked. - Canned Artichokes: These save time and add a soft texture. They are already cooked and easy to use. - Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic has a stronger flavor than pre-minced or powdered forms. It adds depth to the sauce. Using fresh ingredients usually gives the best flavor, but canned options work well too. For the best results, try to mix both fresh and canned ingredients when you can. To make Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta, gather your ingredients. You need penne pasta, spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, milk, garlic, onion powder, and some spices. This dish is easy and fun to make. You will cook the pasta, prepare the sauce, and combine everything. The creamy cheese sauce makes this pasta special. 1. Boil the Pasta (10 minutes): Start by boiling water. Add salt and then the penne pasta. Cook until it's al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta but save a cup of the pasta water. 2. Prepare the Sauce (5 minutes): In a large pan, heat some oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it smells nice. 3. Add Cream Cheese (2 minutes): Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until it melts. 4. Incorporate Milk (2 minutes): Slowly whisk in the milk. Mix until smooth. 5. Add Cheeses (3 minutes): Put in the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until everything is creamy. 6. Mix in Spinach and Artichokes (2 minutes): Add chopped spinach and artichokes. Stir until the spinach wilts. 7. Combine with Pasta (3 minutes): Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the creaminess. 8. Season (2 minutes): Sprinkle in onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well. 9. Serve Hot (1 minute): Serve the pasta warm, topped with fresh basil. Total cooking time is about 30 minutes. - Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is soft. This helps it mix better. - Gradual Milk Addition: Add milk slowly while stirring. This helps avoid lumps. - Pasta Water Magic: Always keep some pasta water. It helps create a smooth sauce. - Heat Control: Cook on medium heat. Too high can cause the sauce to separate. These tips will help you make a creamy and delicious sauce every time. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Always use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Add salt to the water before it boils. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Cook the penne for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Test for doneness by tasting a piece. It should be firm but not hard. Reserve some pasta water. This starchy water can help your sauce later. Use fresh garlic for a bold taste. You can add herbs like basil or oregano for more depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. If you want a richer flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. Mixing in some lemon juice can brighten the dish. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or firm to the bite. If you skip reserving pasta water, your sauce may turn out too thick. Avoid adding cold milk to the hot sauce. This can cause lumps. Make sure to stir the cheese in slowly so it melts evenly. Lastly, don’t forget to season! A little salt and pepper can make a big difference. {{image_2}} You can mix up the cheese in this dish. Instead of cream cheese, try ricotta for a lighter feel. You can swap mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper taste. Goat cheese adds a tangy kick. Use a mix of cheeses to create a unique flavor. Each cheese brings its own charm to the pasta. Want to make this dish heartier? Add protein like cooked chicken or shrimp. Italian sausage also works well. For a veggie boost, throw in some mushrooms or bell peppers. You can even add broccoli or zucchini to increase the health factor. Just be sure to cook them until tender before adding to the pasta. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many types are available in stores. Make sure to check the package for cooking times, as they can differ. For a grain-free twist, try spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash. Both options give you a fun texture without the gluten. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and ingredients. To keep your cheesy spinach and artichoke pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, check the smell and look for any signs of spoilage before eating. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If you use the microwave, place your pasta in a bowl. Heat it for one minute, then stir. Repeat until warm. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of milk to a pan, then heat on low. Stir until it warms up and becomes creamy again. If you have more than you can eat, freezing is a good option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Push out as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze it for about two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt. Both options add creaminess. They also bring a nice tang. If you want a dairy-free option, try cashew cream. Blend soaked cashews with a bit of lemon juice for the right texture. Yes, you can prep the pasta and sauce in advance. Cook the pasta and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. Make the sauce and keep it separate. When you’re ready, combine and heat everything together. This way, you save time when serving. To add spice, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies. For a kick, stir in some hot sauce at the end. Taste as you go, so the spice level is just right for you. This post covered the key ingredients and their substitutions. You learned how to prepare and cook your dish step by step. The tips and tricks section shared best practices to avoid common mistakes. We also explored variations like different cheeses and protein options. Lastly, I provided storage details to keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Your dish can be personal and unique. Enjoy the process, experiment, and make it your own!](https://itssoupy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/7e2e15f7-b177-4836-8f66-61aaf7880779-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
Indulge in this delicious Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal! With creamy cheeses, fresh spinach, and artichokes, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. Discover how to whip it up in just 30 minutes and impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and bring joy to your dinner table with this cheesy delight!