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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 4 cups fresh spinach - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts - 1 cup cream cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground pepper - Red pepper flakes - Fresh basil leaves - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic - 1 small onion {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to it. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so check it a minute or two before the time is up. After cooking, drain the pasta and save about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for now. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add two minced garlic cloves and one finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often. You want the onion to become translucent and smell great. Next, add the chopped artichoke hearts and the fresh spinach to your skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. You will see the spinach wilt and the artichokes heat through. Now, lower the heat to low. Add one cup of softened cream cheese and half a cup of sour cream. Stir continuously until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, slowly mix in some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Now it’s time to combine everything. Gently fold the cooked fettuccine into the skillet. Toss to coat each strand with the creamy sauce. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. You can also add red pepper flakes if you like some heat. To get the right creamy texture, use pasta water. After cooking the pasta, save some water before draining. Add this water to the sauce if it gets too thick. The starchy water helps make the sauce smooth. For the cheese, let it melt evenly. Stir the sauce well until all the cheese blends in. This way, every bite is rich and creamy. Spice up your dish with extra herbs or spices. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even Italian seasoning. These can boost the flavor. You can also pair this dish with grilled chicken or shrimp. A side salad or garlic bread also complements the pasta well. If you want to prepare in advance, cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, mix them together on the stove. Add a splash of pasta water to reheat. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach provides a vibrant color and flavor that elevates the dish. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a great way to adjust the sauce's consistency. Add it gradually until you reach the desired creaminess without making it too watery. Experiment with Cheeses: While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for added flavor and creaminess. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even white beans to the pasta for an extra boost of protein. {{image_4}} You can mix things up by using different greens. Kale or arugula adds a nice touch. They bring unique flavors and textures. You can also try alternative cheeses. Goat cheese or ricotta can create a different taste. These swaps keep the dish fresh and fun. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make pasta that tastes great. For those avoiding dairy, vegan substitutes work well. You can use vegan cream cheese and sour cream. These options let everyone enjoy this dish. Add seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist. Zucchini or bell peppers can brighten the dish. They add color and nutrients. You can also adapt this pasta for holidays. Think about using festive herbs or spices for a seasonal flair. To keep your creamy spinach artichoke pasta fresh, refrigerate leftovers. Place the pasta in a sealed container. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. Make sure the lid is tight to prevent air from getting in. This helps keep flavors strong and prevents drying out. You can freeze creamy pasta for later use. Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess. In the fridge, your creamy pasta will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. After this time, it may start to spoil. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell, off-color, or mold. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your delicious dish while it’s fresh! Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. This helps avoid extra water in your dish. Frozen spinach is a great time-saver. It also offers similar taste and nutrition. To add heat, try red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch, and adjust to taste. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers for a bolder kick. Another option is to mix in hot sauce for a spicy twist. If you need a substitute for sour cream, try Greek yogurt. It offers a similar creaminess and tang. You can also use mayonnaise or blended silken tofu for a creamy texture. Each option brings a unique flavor to the dish. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and sour cream. You can also use coconut cream for a rich texture. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious without dairy. This blog post covered a delicious fettuccine dish with spinach and artichokes. We explored the ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips for the best results. Remember to adjust the sauce and try fun variations. You can customize with spices or veggies, making this meal your own. Store leftovers wisely to enjoy later. With these insights, you can create a creamy pasta dish that everyone will love. Now, get cooking and share your tasty results!

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring spinach and artichokes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
  • 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 2 sour cream
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • optional Red pepper flakes, for a hint of spice
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  • Incorporate the chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach into the skillet. Stir well, and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down and the artichokes are heated through.
  • Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
  • To the creamy mixture, add grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Stir well until the cheese has melted and is fully integrated into the sauce.
  • Gently fold the cooked fettuccine into the skillet, tossing to coat each strand with the luscious creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to ensure it’s flavorful.
  • Transfer the creamy spinach artichoke pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish while it’s warm and creamy!

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Keyword artichoke, creamy, easy, pasta, spinach