Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta: A Decadent One-Dish Meal
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta, a dish that has quickly become a favorite since I first discovered it in a Woman’s World magazine. This luscious recipe offers the perfect balance of creamy goodness, tender pasta, and the savory flavors of artichokes and spinach, making it an ideal choice for potlucks or cozy family dinners. With a cook time of just 30 minutes and a prep time of 15 minutes, this meal can be whipped up in under an hour, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.
Ingredients
To create this heavenly pasta dish, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Campanelle pasta | 12 oz |
| Cream cheese | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 3/4 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Swiss cheese | 2 cups |
| Artichoke hearts (canned) | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Frozen chopped spinach | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information
This creamy delight not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a hearty nutritional profile. Here’s the breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1045.5 |
| Total Fat | 59.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 34.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 181.7 mg |
| Sodium | 991.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 89.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g |
| Sugars | 8.8 g |
| Protein | 42.3 g |
Instructions
To prepare this creamy spinach artichoke pasta, follow these detailed instructions that ensure a seamless cooking process:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your dish will heat evenly and become beautifully melty and bubbly.
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the campanelle pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and return it to the pot to keep it warm, reserving it for later use.
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Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese and sour cream together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process should take about 1-2 minutes. Once smooth, reduce the mixer speed to low and carefully add the milk, salt, garlic powder, and a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick. Beat the mixture until all ingredients are well combined, which should take about 30 seconds.
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Incorporate the Vegetables: Stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded Swiss cheese, the drained artichoke hearts, and the frozen chopped spinach (make sure to thaw and drain the spinach beforehand to prevent excess moisture). Mix gently to combine all the flavors.
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Combine with Pasta: Pour the creamy mixture over the reserved pasta in the pot. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the creamy pasta mixture into a shallow baking dish (about 6 cups in capacity). Spread it out evenly, making sure to reach the corners for consistent baking.
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Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese and the Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust as it bakes.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the cheese is melted.
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Optional Broiling Step: If you prefer a golden-brown crust, turn on the broiler and broil the dish for an additional 1 minute. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, as broiling can quickly brown the cheese.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, allow the creamy spinach artichoke pasta to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot and pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. Whether you are feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
