Easy • Pasta
Speedy Spinach Artichoke Pasta
This creamy, dreamy pasta dish captures all the beloved flavors of spinach and artichoke dip in a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Easy
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Who doesn't love the irresistible combo of spinach and artichoke dip? Now imagine those incredible flavors — savory, tangy, and wonderfully creamy — tossed with your favorite pasta for a super-fast, super-satisfying dinner! This Speedy Spinach Artichoke Pasta is an absolute game-changer for busy nights. It's rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to whip up, proving that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz short pasta (such as penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1/4 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3
Add the chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to warm them through.
Step 4
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches if necessary, stirring until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, milk, and oregano to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more reserved pasta water or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your quick and creamy pasta!
Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for the smoothest sauce. If it's cold, it might take longer to melt evenly.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Simply cook it separately and stir it into the finished pasta.
- For a tangier flavor, a tablespoon of lemon juice can be added to the sauce along with the milk.
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