Description
Spinach Artichoke Pasta transforms the classic party dip into a hearty, creamy pasta dish. Made with tender spinach, artichokes, and a cheesy, garlicky sauce, it’s a comforting weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp salted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 (5–6 oz) bags baby spinach
- 2 (15 oz) cans artichoke hearts, drained and halved
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (optional)
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked until al dente
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- Crushed red pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter. Add garlic and spinach, cooking until wilted. Remove and set aside.
- Melt 2 more Tbsp butter in the same pot. Add artichokes and sauté for 1–2 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to low and melt remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and cayenne. If sauce is too thick, add chicken broth.
- Return pasta and artichokes to the pot. Fold in spinach and mix to coat evenly.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with panko breadcrumbs and crushed red pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fusilli or bowties instead of penne for variety.
- Add cream cheese or heavy cream for extra richness.
- Skip chicken broth for a vegetarian version, or use vegetable broth.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Toast panko in olive oil for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
