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Tasty Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta Recipe

4.5 from 150 reviews

This Tasty Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender rotini pasta with a rich sauce made from cream cheese, parmesan, garlic, spinach, and artichoke hearts. Inspired by the classic dip, this recipe transforms those iconic flavors into a comforting pasta meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini

Vegetables

  • 5 oz spinach
  • 14 oz artichoke hearts

Sauce

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: While waiting for the water to boil, grate the parmesan cheese freshly, measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper into a small bowl, and have the spinach and artichoke hearts ready. Cut artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces if needed. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth incorporation.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and place it in a large bowl.
  3. Wilt Spinach: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add spinach with 1 tablespoon water. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted. Transfer spinach to a clean towel or paper towels and squeeze firmly to remove excess liquid. Chop roughly and set aside.
  4. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, combine softened cream cheese and milk over medium heat. Stir frequently until smooth and fully melted, about 2-3 minutes. Add freshly grated parmesan cheese and the seasoning mixture, stirring until sauce is creamy and gently bubbling. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
  5. Add Vegetables to Sauce: Stir the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts into the cream sauce until well combined.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cooked rotini into the skillet or bowl with the sauce mixture. Fold gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and create a silky texture.
  7. Heat Through and Serve: Continue heating the pasta and sauce for another minute over medium heat until everything is hot and flavors meld together. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using freshly grated parmesan cheese improves the sauce texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
  • Squeezing excess water from cooked spinach prevents a watery sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water as its starch helps to achieve a smooth, cohesive sauce.
  • Adjust garlic powder and pepper according to taste, especially since cream cheese can mute flavors.
  • For a richer sauce, whole milk or 2% milk can be used.

Keywords: spinach artichoke pasta, creamy pasta, spinach dip pasta, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta recipe