Spinach and Artichoke Creamy Penne Pasta
This veggie-filled pasta recipe is not to be missed! Sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts are tossed with penne pasta and smothered in a cheesy, garlicky cream sauce - yum!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 ounces penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 9 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 14 ounces can (or jar) artichoke hearts rinsed, drained, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk or half and half
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.
- Sauté the garlic and spinach. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 15 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and continue to cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, transfer to a large bowl, and set aside.
- Sauté the artichokes. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add artichokes and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss the artichokes with the spinach.
- Make the sauce. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute while whisking. Then, whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes. Add the shredded cheeses and whisk until completely melted and the sauce is thickened.
- Combine. Slowly stir the cooked pasta into the sauce, then add the spinach and artichokes, mixing until thoroughly combined.
- Serve. Remove from heat. Garnish with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes, and serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 583kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 773mg | Potassium: 665mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 6557IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 445mg | Iron: 3mg
