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Creamy One-Pot Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe Easy and Perfect with Crispy Breadcrumbs

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A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish combining creamy spinach and artichoke flavors with a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for cozy dinners and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or 6 cups fresh spinach, wilted and drained)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Avoid burning.
  3. Add thawed and drained spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and excess moisture evaporates. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Add dry pasta, 3 cups water, and 1 cup milk. Stir to submerge pasta. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Cook pasta uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Add more milk or water if too dry.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in softened cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella until melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add lemon juice and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. While cheese melts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast, stirring often, until golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  9. Serve pasta topped generously with crispy breadcrumbs.

Notes

Stir pasta every few minutes to prevent sticking. Use low heat to melt cheese for creamy texture. Toast breadcrumbs carefully to avoid burning. Adjust liquid if sauce is too thick or thin. For vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta options work well. Add protein like cooked chicken or bacon for a heartier meal. Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen but must be wilted and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach artichoke pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, crispy breadcrumbs, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/creamy-one-pot-spinach-artichoke-pasta-recipe-easy-and-perfect-with-crispy-breadcrumbs/