Description
A creamy and comforting Spinach Artichoke Pasta featuring tender baby spinach, tangy artichoke hearts, and a rich cream cheese sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300 g (10.5 oz) pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red chilli flakes
- 250 g (1 cup) vegetable stock
- 180 g (6.5 oz) cream cheese
- 250 g (½ lb) baby spinach
- 1 x 400 g (14 oz) can artichoke hearts
- 50 g (½ cup) vegetarian hard cheese (or Parmesan), grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, generously salt it, and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 to 2 cups of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the base of the sauce: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven. Add the finely chopped garlic and red chilli flakes, frying carefully for 1 minute without burning the garlic.
- Form the creamy sauce: Pour in the vegetable stock and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely into the stock creating a smooth sauce.
- Wilt the spinach: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add the baby spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the spinach wilts down.
- Combine pasta and artichokes: Add the cooked pasta and drained artichoke hearts to the pan. Toss everything together well. If the sauce appears too thick or dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the grated vegetarian hard cheese or Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra grated cheese.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well like penne or fusilli for best results.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Vegetarian hard cheese can be substituted with Parmesan or a vegan alternative if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red chilli flakes amount.
- Can be served with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or fresh herbs like parsley for garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
