Imagine a dish that combines the creamy decadence of spinach artichoke dip with the comforting warmth of perfectly baked pasta - a culinary masterpiece that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. This Spinach Artichoke Baked Pasta is not just a meal; it's a cheesy, luxurious journey that promises to delight every single person at your dining table, from picky eaters to gourmet food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Drain and chop artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop fresh spinach leaves.
- Add the cooked pasta, chopped artichoke hearts, and spinach to the cream cheese mixture. Gently stir to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh artichoke hearts if possible, and make sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
- Cook your pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven and you want to avoid mushy noodles.
- For a golden, crispy top, consider broiling the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble everything and refrigerate, then bake when ready - just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Experiment with different cheese blends - try adding some sharp cheddar or gruyère for extra depth of flavor.
- For a protein boost, mix in some cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 548kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
