Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Recipe
This Spinach and Artichoke Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a rich spinach and artichoke sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner, this pasta is sure to become a favorite.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 10 oz fresh spinach (*see note for substitutions using frozen spinach)
- 4 oz cream cheese, cut into pieces (reduced-fat cream cheese is fine)
- 1 cup (8 oz) sour cream (light sour cream works as well)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 (15 oz) cans quartered artichoke hearts, well-drained
- 4 oz can diced jalapeños, drained (optional)
- 1 large or 2 small garlic cloves, pressed
For the Pasta:
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Wilt the Spinach: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the pot over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Transfer the spinach to a colander to drain.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same pot, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Add the Artichokes and Flavorings: Stir in the drained artichokes and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the drained spinach, pressed garlic, and optional jalapeños. Cook until hot and well combined.
- Toss with Pasta: Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan or black pepper and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach as a substitute for fresh spinach if needed.
- Adjust the spiciness by omitting or increasing the amount of jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Spinach and Artichoke Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Pasta Dish