Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta

January 20, 2014

I’ve had the idea for this pasta probably 40 separate times. Whenever it popped into my head, I would think about how delicious and creative it would be — a quick Google search will show you, hundreds of other people have thought the same thing. I promise you though, that this doesn’t make it any less delicious.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta

While I love spinach and artichoke dip, it has always seemed like “We should have a vegetarian appetizer at this party — bring out the fatty, cheesy, dip!”. I’m really, honestly not the kind of person that can turn down a dip, especially a cheesy one…. so I’m not really sure if I’m complaining here. Let’s just read that as: Kelly has eaten a LOT of spinach and artichoke dip. (Note: don’t take that to mean it’s my favorite dip. That honor is held by The Beeroness‘s Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Beer Cheese Dip.)

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta

Now that I’ve officially declared myself to be a cheesy dip expert, let me convince you to stir it into your pasta. Cheese + carbs = happiness. Convinced? How about: Cheese + carbs + vegetables = happiness + pretending your dinner is super healthy. Yes. Success. I made this as a main dish and it was enough for 4. It’d also be great as a side dish, serving 6 – 8 (hate to admit this here, but Josh kept going on about how it’d be great with a piece of grilled chicken. I’d suggest Quorn meat free, soy free cutlets). If you just want cheesy dippy goodness and no pasta, it’s great on chips. Not that I was dipping chips into my pasta sauce, no way! 😉

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta

Author: Kelly Hutchinson

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Total time: 20 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

10 oz fresh spinach, washed
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 oz grated Parmesan
4 oz low fat cream cheese
⅓ c milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
3 oz shredded mozzarella
⅓ c nonfat Greek yogurt
15 oz can artichokes
salt and pepper to taste
6 – 10 oz whole wheat or gluten free pasta, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and spritz with nonstick spray (a drizzle of EVOO would also work).
Saute spinach and garlic until the spinach is wilted.
Meanwhile, chop the artichokes if whole and squeeze out excess liquid.
Add the Parmesan and cream cheese to the pan, stirring into the spinach. Add milk and stir to distribute. Stir in the mozzarella and yogurt, then add the artichokes. Cook until hot and the cheese is melty.
The sauce may look a little thin, but will help coat the pasta (and will thicken the longer you let it sit).
Add the pasta, toss to combine, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do NOT let the sauce boil once you’ve added the milk and yogurt — this may cause it to curdle!
The sauce will not be incredibly, milky smooth like a jarred Alfredo, but more like a restaurant style Alfredo.
Nutritional estimate uses 8 oz of whole wheat pasta – adjust for more or less pasta or for GF. I included a range of pasta amounts because who am I to tell you how saucy you like your noodles? Pictures are with 8 oz.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: ¼ of recipe Calories: 440 Fat: 11 Carbohydrates: 55 Fiber: 9 Protein: 29

Tagged with: Egg Free • Gluten Free • Hidden Veggies • Nut Free • Soy Free • Vegetarian

12 Comments

Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels | Hidden Fruits and VeggiesHidden Fruits and Veggies Mar 21, 2014

[…] mighty familiar. That’s because the pinwheels are stuffed with the same sauce I used in my spinach and artichoke pasta. It’s all of the flavor of spinach and artichoke dip, but in a conveniently portable party […]

Nikki Jan 24, 2014

Drool.

Becky @ Olives n Wine Jan 20, 2014

You’ve turned my favorite dip into an acceptable dinner <3 Not that dip isn't an appropriate dinner choice but this will make me feel like an actual adult 😉 Definitely adding this to the list once I'm off my "cleanse" – although I could make this with GF noodles!

Kelly Jan 21, 2014

Becky, half of my recipes come about from the dinners I want to eat and the dinners I think an adult should eat!

Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens Jan 20, 2014

Kelly!!! You have successfully combined two of my favorite things! I love pasta (who doesn’t?!?) and spinach artichoke dip?? Are you kidding me?? I really wish I lived across the street from you. And then you could bring me these amazing dishes to taste. Looks SOOO good!

Kelly Jan 21, 2014

Gretchen, I always have sooooo many leftovers. Stop over any time 😉

Annie @ Natural Sweet Recipes Jan 20, 2014

Wow, I bet the Greek yogurt in this makes it incredibly creamy and decadent!!! This really looks delicious!!! What a prefect meal during this cold winter.