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Creamy One Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta: A Quick Delight (Ready in 30 Minutes)

In the whirlwind of modern life, finding the time to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal can often feel like a challenge. Thankfully, the culinary world is rife with innovative recipes that can save the day, and one such gem is the Creamy One Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta. This dish is not only easy to whip up but also ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.

The Allure of One-Pot Cooking

The beauty of one-pot meals lies in their simplicity. With minimal cooking vessels, you save on both preparation and cleaning time, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the fuss. This Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta embodies that concept while delivering a dish bursting with flavour and texture.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 300g pasta (preferably penne or fusilli)
• 400ml vegetable stock
• 200ml double cream
• 200g fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 200g jarred artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 100g cream cheese
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)

Method

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Incorporate the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Pasta: Pour the uncooked pasta into the pot and stir to combine. This will help get all those flavours melded together.

3. Create the Sauce: Next, add the vegetable stock and double cream to the pot. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for approximately 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Mix in the Greens: Once the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, add the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts. Let them wilt while stirring everything together.

5. Finish with Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well incorporated and creamy, dish the pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Swap the Pasta: While penne and fusilli work beautifully, you can substitute any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like peas or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the dish’s nutritional content and flavour.

Conclusion

The Creamy One Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta is more than just a quick meal — it’s a celebration of flavours that delights the palate while fitting seamlessly into the rhythm of everyday life. Ready in just 30 minutes, this pasta dish not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart. So, the next time you’re short on time but long on appetites, turn to this brilliant recipe and enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy goodness. Bon appétit!