Tasty Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta Recipe
This Tasty Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender rotini with a rich spinach and artichoke dip-inspired sauce. Enhanced by cream cheese, fresh Parmesan, and aromatic seasonings, this quick stovetop recipe offers a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini
Vegetables
- 5 oz spinach
- 14 oz artichoke hearts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Seasonings
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preparation and Setup: While waiting for water to boil, grate fresh Parmesan cheese for a smooth melt, measure out all dry seasonings into a small bowl, prepare the spinach and artichoke hearts by chopping the artichokes into bite-sized pieces if large, and soften the cream cheese to room temperature for a smooth sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Wilt Spinach: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add spinach with 1 tablespoon water and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until wilted. Transfer spinach to a kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze firmly to remove excess liquid, then roughly chop and set aside.
- Make Cream Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, combine softened cream cheese and milk, stirring frequently until the cream cheese melts and becomes smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add grated Parmesan and the dry seasonings, stirring constantly until the sauce is creamy and gently bubbling. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the squeezed spinach and prepared artichoke hearts into the cream sauce. Add the cooked pasta from step 2 and fold gently to evenly coat everything with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Final Heating: Heat the combined mixture for another minute over medium heat until hot and flavors meld together. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded, enhancing the sauce’s texture.
- Removing excess water from the cooked spinach is crucial to prevent a watery sauce.
- Reserved pasta water contains starch which helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and creates a silkier texture.
- Adjust seasonings after sauce preparation to balance flavors, as cream cheese can mute spices.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and optimal flavor.
Keywords: spinach artichoke pasta, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner, rotini pasta recipe
