Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake. This divine dish brings together the creamy decadence of mac and cheese with the beloved flavors of spinach and artichoke dip, creating a heavenly experience for your taste buds. Each bite is a warm, cheesy embrace filled with tender pasta, rich cream cheese, and gooey mozzarella, balanced by the nutrients of vibrant spinach and hearty artichokes. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this pasta bake is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table!
10
Servings
280
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
kosher salt
to taste
pasta shells
1 lb
butter
3 tablespoons, melted
butter
2 tablespoons, plus more for greasing
garlic cloves
4 tablespoons, minced
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons
milk
3 cups, preferably whole
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
cream cheese
8 ounces, cut into cubes
shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups, divided
frozen chopped spinach
20 ounces, thawed and drained
artichoke hearts
30 ounces, drained and chopped
panko breadcrumbs
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2
In a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4
Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. Season with fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
7
Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese to the mixture, whisking until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
8
Fold the thawed and drained chopped spinach and chopped artichoke hearts into the cheese sauce, followed by the cooked pasta. Gently mix until everything is well combined.
9
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
10
In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs and the additional 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the pasta.
11
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
25
Carbs
12
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake?
It is a comfort food fusion dish that combines the elements of mac and cheese with the flavors of spinach and artichoke dip.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking dish is needed?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How long does the pasta bake in the oven?
It should bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields 10 servings.
What kind of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of pasta shells.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 4 tablespoons of minced garlic cloves.
What type of milk is recommended for the sauce?
3 cups of milk are used, preferably whole milk for creaminess.
What cheeses are used in the sauce?
The sauce includes 8 ounces of cream cheese, 3 cups of shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup of grated parmesan.
How much spinach is in this dish?
The recipe uses 20 ounces of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and drained.
How should the artichoke hearts be prepared?
You need 30 ounces of artichoke hearts, which should be drained and chopped.
What is the topping made of?
The topping is a mixture of 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 280 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 12 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 15 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Let the pasta bake sit for 10 minutes before serving.
How do you prepare the baking dish?
Generously butter the 9x13 inch baking dish before adding the mixture.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to package directions.
How do you make the cheese sauce?
Create a roux with butter, garlic, and flour, then whisk in milk, cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan until smooth.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs for the topping.
How much flour is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What kind of salt is used?
Kosher salt is recommended to taste.
Is there any pepper in the recipe?
Yes, fresh ground black pepper is added to taste.
When do I add the cream cheese?
Remove the thickened milk mixture from heat and whisk in the cream cheese until fully melted.
How much total butter is used?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons of butter: 3 for the sauce and 2 for the topping, plus extra for greasing.
How do you incorporate the vegetables?
Fold the thawed spinach and chopped artichokes directly into the cheese sauce before adding the pasta.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Based on the ingredients list, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta bake.
What makes the topping golden brown?
The combination of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter creates a golden crust when baked.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to let the dish rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.