This Spinach and Artichoke Pasta recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish made with fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, and a rich sauce of cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this pasta dish is easy to prepare, customizable with optional jalapeños for a kick, and features penne pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this spinach and artichoke pasta is a go-to recipe for any occasion. It’s quick, satisfying, and full of savory flavors that make it a favorite in any kitchen. Enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and delicious meal with this irresistible pasta dish!

This creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta combines the rich flavors of spinach, artichokes, and a creamy sauce with tender penne pasta. A perfect comfort food, this dish is easy to make and can be served as a satisfying meal for any occasion. The creamy sauce is made with butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan, creating a luscious coating for the pasta. For a little extra kick, you can add diced jalapeños. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, this spinach and artichoke pasta will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients:

6 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
10 oz fresh spinach (see note on substitutions for using frozen)
4 oz cream cheese, cut into pieces (reduced fat is ok)
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream (“light” sour cream is ok)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cans (15 oz each) quartered artichoke hearts, well drained
4 oz can diced jalapeños, drained (optional)
1 large or 2 small garlic cloves, pressed
16 oz penne pasta with 1 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta to your desired doneness. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water (don’t forget to save it!).
Prepare the Spinach: In a large pot, melt 2 Tbsp of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the spinach and stir until slightly wilted (about 1 minute). Transfer the spinach to a colander to drain.
Make the Sauce: In the same pot, melt 4 Tbsp of butter and add the cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything melts together and starts to bubble.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the drained artichokes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add the drained spinach, pressed garlic, and jalapeños (if using). Cook until hot.
Mix the Pasta: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pot and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta cooking liquid a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Tips:

Spinach Substitute: You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
Cream Cheese Tip: Using full-fat cream cheese will make the sauce richer, but reduced-fat cream cheese will work just fine if you’re looking to lighten up the dish.
Pasta Substitution: While penne works great, you can use other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli for a slightly different texture.

Variations and Substitutions:

Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for extra protein.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream, and substitute Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color.

FAQs:

Can I use frozen artichoke hearts? Yes, frozen artichoke hearts work well. Just thaw and drain them before using.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, but it’s best to add the reserved pasta cooking liquid right before serving to maintain the creaminess.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Any short pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle, will work well in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this spinach and artichoke pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Pair it with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a well-rounded dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Spinach and Artichoke Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. The combination of artichokes and spinach provides a hearty and flavorful base, while the creamy sauce coats the pasta in a rich, velvety texture. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as part of a larger meal, this pasta is sure to please anyone who loves comforting, creamy pasta dishes. With easy ingredients and a simple preparation process, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.