One Pot Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

$- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped - 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Red pepper flakes (optional) Gathering fresh and flavorful ingredients is key. Using high-quality pasta makes a big difference. I love penne pasta because its ridges hold sauce well. Artichoke hearts bring a unique taste. They add a nice texture too. Fresh spinach gives this dish its vibrant green color. It also packs in nutrients. The vegetable broth acts as a base. It adds depth without overpowering. Heavy cream is essential for that creamy texture. Parmesan cheese melts beautifully. It adds a rich flavor that ties everything together. I always keep garlic in my kitchen. It brings warmth and aroma. Onion powder adds a nice hint of sweetness. Italian seasoning combines herbs for extra flavor. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. If you like heat, red pepper flakes add a spicy kick. Having these ingredients ready makes cooking easy and fun. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make this dish. - First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great. - Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer. - Now, add 12 oz of penne pasta, 1 can of chopped artichoke hearts, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Stir well to mix everything together. - Cover the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir often to keep it from sticking. - Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce gets creamy. - Add 3 cups of roughly chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. - Finally, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. To get the best creamy texture, add cheese slowly. Start with a little cheese and mix well. This helps it melt smoothly. You want to avoid clumps. Keep the heat low when you add cream and cheese. This way, they blend nicely. To avoid overcooking pasta, stir it often. This prevents sticking. Follow the package time closely. Check the pasta a minute early. You want it al dente, or firm to the bite. Add herbs and spices for extra flavor. Fresh basil or parsley can brighten the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice adds zing. It helps balance the creaminess. Red pepper flakes can add heat. Use them if you like a kick! Mix in a splash of white wine for depth. It adds brightness and cuts through richness. Just remember to let it cook off a bit before adding cream. This pasta pairs well with a light salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon works great. Garlic bread also makes a nice side. For garnishes, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top. Chopped herbs like parsley or basil look pretty too. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice touch. It makes your dish look gourmet and inviting! {{image_2}} If you want to make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it may vary from regular pasta. For a vegan twist, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use a plant-based cheese for added flavor. You can also skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version. In spring, try adding asparagus or peas for a fresh taste. In the fall, roasted butternut squash works wonders in this dish. You can mix and match any seasonal veggies you love. For protein, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. They bring a hearty element to the dish. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost. Experiment with different cheeses to enhance the flavor. Goat cheese or feta can add tanginess. For a sharp bite, try aged cheddar or smoked gouda. If you want more protein, adding shrimp or chicken can make this a full meal. Cook them separately and stir them in at the end. This adds both taste and texture, making your pasta even more delightful. For best results, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store the pasta in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you notice any odd smell or change in color, it's best to toss it. To keep that creamy texture, use the stovetop. Heat it on low and stir gently. You can add a splash of cream or broth if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry it out. Stir often to retain moisture and creaminess. You can freeze leftovers, but it may change the texture. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore creaminess. One Pot Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it tasty. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure to stir well to keep it creamy. Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just thaw and drain it first. Frozen spinach works well in this dish. It saves time and is easy to store. Keep in mind that frozen spinach has more water than fresh. So, you may need to adjust the cooking time. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These substitutes will change the flavor a bit but will still make your dish creamy. Absolutely! One Pot Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta is perfect for meal prep. It reheats well and tastes great after a day in the fridge. You can make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Yes, you can add more veggies! Broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini work great. Just chop them small so they cook quickly. Adding more vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Get creative and enjoy your veggie-packed pasta! This recipe for One Pot Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta combines simple ingredients for a delicious meal. You learned how to prepare a creamy base, cook pasta perfectly, and enhance flavors with tips. You can also customize the dish in various ways. Finally, our storage tips help keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy making this easy and tasty pasta dish that suits any occasion. Happy cooking!$

One Pot Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Indulge in a delightful One Pot Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta that’s perfect for any dinner! With vibrant spinach and flavorful artichokes, this creamy dish is easy to make in just 25 minutes. Enjoy a comforting meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Ready to try this mouthwatering recipe? Click through for the full instructions and treat your taste buds tonight! #PastaRecipes #OnePotMeals #CreamyPasta #SpinachArtichoke

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Ingredients

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Add the penne pasta, chopped artichoke hearts, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions (usually around 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed, reduce the heat to low.

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4-6