Description
Creamy spinach artichoke pasta brings Mediterranean comfort straight to your kitchen. Rich cheeses and tender vegetables create a harmonious blend that delights palates and satisfies hearty appetites in one delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 (14 ounces/400 grams) can artichoke hearts, chopped
Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, releasing aromatic garlic until golden and fragrant, approximately 60 seconds.
- Introduce chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet, sautéing gently for 2-3 minutes to develop caramelized edges and enhance their natural flavor profile.
- Fold fresh spinach into the skillet, allowing leaves to wilt and reduce volume, creating a vibrant green foundation for the sauce, about 2 minutes.
- Stream heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously while incorporating grated Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Calibrate seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Gently incorporate drained pasta into the creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce thickness. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately, ensuring optimal temperature and sauce distribution. Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions and add extra nutrition.
- Swap heavy cream with low-fat Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier version of the sauce.
- Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Roast artichoke hearts before adding to the skillet to intensify their nutty, caramelized flavor and provide a deeper taste profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 474 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg