Go Back
You will need some simple, tasty items for this bake. Here’s what you’ll need: - 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or rotini works well) - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil This dish shines because of its rich flavors. The creamy cheese blends well with the bright spinach. The artichokes add a nice texture too. After baking, you can top it off with: - Fresh parsley - Extra mozzarella cheese These garnishes give a fresh touch and make the dish look great. You can add more cheese if you love that gooey texture! {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key. It ensures even cooking for your pasta bake. Cooking pasta al dente: Next, cook 8 oz of pasta. Penne or rotini works great. Follow the package instructions but stop cooking when it’s al dente. This means the pasta should have a slight bite. Drain and set it aside. Sautéing garlic and spinach: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 1 minute until they smell amazing. Then, stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach. Cook until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Mixing the cheese ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Combining pasta, spinach, and artichokes: Now, add the cooked pasta, sautéed spinach, and 1 can of drained and quartered artichokes to the cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together until well mixed. Transferring to a baking dish: Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it. Spread it out evenly for the best bake. Adding cheese topping and baking: Top your pasta bake with extra mozzarella cheese. This gives it a gooey finish. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be bubbly and golden brown. Enjoy the delicious flavors of your Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake! To get the best bake, watch your time. If you want a crisp top, bake for 30 minutes. If you like it softer, aim for 25 minutes. Use a fork to check the top. It should look bubbly and golden. Next, ensure your cheese mixture is smooth. If it’s lumpy, your bake won’t be as creamy. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses well before adding other ingredients. A smooth mix makes for a rich and tasty dish. Spices can take your bake to the next level. Try adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra depth. They bring a nice flavor that pairs well with the spinach and artichokes. You can also mix in some cooked chicken or sausage for protein. If you like veggies, try adding bell peppers or mushrooms. They add color and taste, making your dish even better. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality artichoke hearts for the best flavor and texture. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference; you can even omit them for a milder dish. Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. Perfectly Creamy: For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the cheese mixture before combining with the pasta and veggies. {{image_2}} You can easily change ingredients to fit your needs. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty varieties that work well. Rice pasta or chickpea pasta can add unique flavors. If you prefer a vegan version, swap out the cheeses and cream. Use cashew cream for the cream cheese and a dairy-free sour cream. Nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan for a cheesy taste. There are also excellent vegan mozzarella cheeses available. To make your pasta bake heartier, consider adding proteins. Chicken or sausage can bring more flavor and make it a complete meal. Cook the meat before mixing it with the pasta and sauce. You can also add more vegetables for extra texture and nutrients. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini work great. Just sauté them with the spinach to keep everything nice and soft. Mixing in different veggies can create a new twist on the classic dish. To store leftovers, let the pasta bake cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. You can also wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This will help prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact. To reheat, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Check if it's heated through before serving. If you want to freeze the pasta bake, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store it in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven as described above for a tasty meal. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this pasta bake ahead of time. Just follow the recipe until the baking step. After mixing everything together, cover the dish tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. You can bake it the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. What side dishes pair well with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake? This dish goes well with simple sides. You can serve it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread. A light soup can also be a great choice. Try a tomato basil soup for a nice pairing. How do I know when it’s done baking? You will know your pasta bake is done when it is bubbly and golden brown on top. You can also check if the cheese is melted and slightly crisp. If you poke it with a fork, it should feel hot all the way through. Can I use frozen spinach or artichokes? Yes, you can use frozen spinach or artichokes. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well. This keeps the dish from getting too watery. For artichokes, just drain them and chop as needed. They work great in this bake! This blog post covers all you need to make a great Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake. We explored key ingredients like pasta options, fresh veggies, and seasonings. I gave you easy steps for preparation and cooking. Remember to try the tips to enhance flavor and texture. In the end, feel free to experiment with ingredient swaps for a personal touch. This dish is fun to make and enjoy. Now, go ahead and create your version of this tasty meal!

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake

A delicious and creamy pasta bake loaded with spinach, artichokes, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  • Add the cooked pasta, sautéed spinach, and artichoke hearts to the cheese mixture. Gently fold until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  • Top with additional mozzarella cheese for a gooey finish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Keyword artichoke, bake, cheese, pasta, spinach