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- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini) - 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained - 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 garlic clove, minced - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish For this Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip Pasta, you need some simple and tasty ingredients. Start with your choice of pasta. Penne or rotini work well in this dish. You will also need one cup of frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw it and drain it well. One cup of canned artichoke hearts adds a unique flavor; drain and chop them before using. Next, cream cheese is key for a rich, creamy texture. You will also need mozzarella cheese for that gooey, cheesy goodness. To add some depth, use half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. A single minced garlic clove brings warmth and aroma. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes, but this is optional. Do not forget the olive oil for sautéing the garlic. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley makes for a beautiful garnish, adding a pop of color to your dish. This blend of ingredients creates a mouthwatering pasta that is sure to delight. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil salted water in a large pot. Add 8 ounces of penne or rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package directions. Once the pasta is tender, drain it well. Set it aside for later use. In a large skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not brown. Now, lower the heat and add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir it until it becomes smooth and creamy. Next, fold in 1 cup of thawed and drained frozen spinach and 1 cup of chopped canned artichoke hearts. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the mix. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. If you like a little heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes now. Now, it’s time to bring in the pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently mix it all together until the pasta is fully coated with the cheesy mixture. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Let it melt slightly for about 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy delight! - Best types of pasta for this recipe: I love using penne or rotini for this dish. They hold the creamy sauce well. Their shape adds a nice bite, making each spoonful rich and cheesy. You could try other shapes too, but these are my favorites. - Importance of draining spinach and artichokes: It is key to drain the spinach and artichokes well. Excess water can make the dish soupy. Make sure to squeeze out the water from the spinach. This step keeps the pasta creamy and thick. - Suggestions for additional seasonings: You can add garlic powder or onion powder for more depth. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors too. If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper works great. - Using fresh herbs vs. dried: Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, add a vibrant taste. Use them at the end for a burst of flavor. Dried herbs are good too and can be mixed in while cooking. - Crunchy topping ideas: For a crunchy topping, try adding breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of olive oil. Toast them in a pan for a few minutes until golden. You could also sprinkle some crushed chips on top for extra crunch. - Incorporating protein (e.g., chicken or shrimp): Adding cooked chicken or shrimp can make this dish heartier. Simply mix in cooked protein before serving. This addition also boosts the flavor and makes it a complete meal. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for short pasta shapes like penne or rotini that hold the cheesy sauce well, making every bite delicious. Thaw and Drain Spinach Properly: Ensure the frozen spinach is thoroughly thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dip watery. Experiment with Cheese: For a richer flavor, try adding a blend of cheeses like gouda or cheddar along with mozzarella and Parmesan. Make it Ahead: Prepare the dip in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and mix with the pasta when you're ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can make this dish even more vibrant by adding other veggies. You could use bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These add color and texture. Just chop them up and sauté them with the garlic. This gives a nice crunch and fresh taste. If you want to make this dish vegan, it’s simple. Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream. You can use cashew cream or a store-bought vegan cream cheese. For the cheeses, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use vegan mozzarella. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer penne or rotini made from rice, corn, or chickpeas. These types cook well and hold the sauce nicely. Enjoy this cheesy pasta without worry! To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This will help keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat on low power. Stir it every minute to help it warm evenly. On the stovetop, add a splash of water or milk. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Heat it over low heat until warm and creamy. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above for best results. You can prepare this pasta in advance. Cook the pasta and mix it with the sauce. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it creamy. This makes for a quick meal later! Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just wash and chop about 4 cups. Sauté it in the oil until wilted. Then, mix it in with the cheese and artichokes. The fresh taste will add a nice touch to the dish. This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with grilled chicken for more protein. For a fun twist, serve it in a bread bowl. The options are endless! To add heat, increase the red pepper flakes to one teaspoon. You can also add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Stir these in while mixing the cheese and pasta. Taste as you go to find the right level of spice for you! This blog post covered a tasty Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip Pasta recipe. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. I shared variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. Each part helps you enjoy this dish to its fullest. Remember, this recipe can be fun and creative. Play with flavors and textures to make it your own. Enjoy cooking and sharing your version!

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish featuring spinach and artichokes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until melted and creamy.
  • Fold in the thawed spinach, chopped artichokes, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese into the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined. If using, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy dip mixture.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
  • Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and allow it to melt slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
  • Serve warm in bowls and enjoy your delicious cheesy pasta!

Notes

Serve warm for the best flavor.
Keyword artichoke, cheesy, dip, pasta, spinach