Introduction
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this creamy spinach artichoke pasta skillet. Combining the flavors of tender penne pasta, fresh spinach, and artichokes with a rich cream cheese and mozzarella sauce, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a cozy family meal or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
1 pound penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 shallots, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces fresh baby spinach
2 (12-ounce) jars artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté Shallots and Garlic
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and cook until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add Spinach and Artichokes
Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Incorporate Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add the room-temperature cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the spinach and artichoke mixture. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until the desired consistency is reached.
Add Cheeses
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until they are fully melted and the pasta is evenly coated. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Broil for a Golden Top
Preheat the oven broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy spinach artichoke pasta skillet!
Notes
Pasta Cooking
Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to cook when mixed with other ingredients.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier incorporation into the mixture, preventing lumps.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to substitute with different cheeses for a unique flavor; for example, use feta or gouda instead of mozzarella.
Storage Suggestions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Additional Ingredients
You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost or other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the penne pasta. Cook until al dente and remember to reserve some pasta water for later use.
Sautéing Shallots and Garlic
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook diced shallots until translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté briefly to avoid burning.
Wilting Spinach
Add fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporating Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and blend in room-temperature cream cheese, stirring until melted and the mixture becomes smooth.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked penne pasta with the spinach and artichoke mixture. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Melting Cheeses
Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
Broiling for a Golden Top
Preheat the oven broiler and place the skillet underneath for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini and reduce the amount of cheese.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but ensure it is thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out before adding.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if preferred.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Conclusion
This creamy spinach artichoke pasta skillet is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that comes together effortlessly. The richness of cream cheese and the melty goodness of mozzarella and Parmesan combine beautifully with the freshness of spinach and artichokes, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering, this pasta is sure to impress.
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