Creamy One Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

Creamy One Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta is a comforting, rich dish that brings the classic flavors of spinach and artichoke dip into a satisfying, weeknight-friendly pasta meal. It’s made entirely in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, with a creamy, cheesy sauce coating every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It delivers the creamy indulgence of a classic appetizer in a hearty pasta form. Made in just one pot, it’s perfect for busy nights and creates fewer dishes. It’s also vegetarian, customizable, and great for leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Onion (optional)
• Canned or jarred artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
• Fresh baby spinach
• Vegetable broth or chicken broth
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Cream cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic (and onion if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped artichokes and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
4. Add uncooked pasta, broth, and cream. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in cream cheese and parmesan until melted and smooth.
7. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
9. If desired, top with shredded mozzarella and cover until melted.
10. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit dietary needs.
• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans for extra protein.
• Use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and drain before adding.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Replace cream with dairy-free alternatives for a lighter or vegan version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the dish.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli work well and hold the creamy sauce nicely.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based cream, dairy-free cream cheese, and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it keeps well in the fridge and reheats easily for lunches or quick dinners.

Can I add protein?

Absolutely—try grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while cooking, especially as the pasta starts to soften and absorb the liquid.

Can I bake this dish after cooking?

Yes, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.

Is it spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes to give it a mild kick.

Can I substitute the artichokes?

If you don’t like artichokes, you can use mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli instead.

How do I thin the sauce if it’s too thick?

Add a splash of broth, milk, or cream until the desired consistency is reached.

Conclusion

Creamy One Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta is a flavorful, indulgent dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals. With all the creamy goodness of a classic dip and the heartiness of pasta, it’s a one-pot wonder that delivers comfort and convenience in every bite.

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