Introduction
Craving a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to make? Look no further than this delectable spinach artichoke pasta bake with parmesan! This creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing meal. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect bake every time. Get ready to experience the deliciousness of spinach artichoke dip in pasta form!
Making the Perfect Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine the Spinach and Artichokes: Add the thawed and squeezed dry spinach and chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach artichoke sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to the pasta bake.
- Spice it Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, provolone, or asiago.
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian!
- Make Ahead: Prepare the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Conclusion
This spinach artichoke pasta bake with parmesan is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to customize to your liking and is perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that will leave you wanting more. Happy baking!
