Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
Nutrition Profile:
High-CalciumBone-HealthNut-FreeHealthy AgingHealthy ImmunitySoy-FreeHigh-FiberVegetarianHigh-ProteinEgg-FreeLow-Calorie
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Ingredients
8 ounces whole-wheat rotini
1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach, roughly chopped
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into chunks
¾ cup reduced-fat milk
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish, if desired
2 teaspoons garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, rinsed, squeezed dry and chopped (see Tip)
Directions
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
Combine spinach and 1 tablespoon water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
Add cream cheese and milk to the pan; whisk until the cream cheese is melted.
Add Parmesan, garlic powder and pepper; cook, whisking until thickened and bubbling.
Drain as much liquid as possible from the spinach. Stir the drained spinach into the sauce, along with artichokes and the pasta. Cook until warmed through.
Equipment
Large saucepan
Tip
If you can find frozen artichoke hearts, they also work well in this recipe. Thaw before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is whole-wheat pasta healthy?
Whole wheat is a whole grain, which means that it contains the entire wheat seed—the bran, germ and endosperm. These are the most nutritious parts of the seed, containing antioxidants, fiber and nutrients. Whole grains have been shown to support heart health and reduce chronic inflammation.
Are artichokes and spinach good for you?
Artichokes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, magnesium and phosphorous and an excellent source of folate, fiber and antioxidants. The type of fiber in artichokes is inulin, which provides food for your beneficial gut bacteria. Together, all of the nutrients in artichokes make for a nutritious package that protects your brain, promotes strong teeth and bones, and supports healthy blood pressure and nerve and muscle function.
Not to be outdone, spinach is an excellent source of iron, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K, and a good source of calcium and potassium. It's also loaded with antioxidants and has been shown to support eye, skin and bone health, and promote healthy blood pressure and exercise recovery.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! We use whole-wheat rotini for this recipe, but feel free to use whole-wheat mostaccioli, cavatappi, fusilli, penne, gemelli or any other short pasta. Be sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions.
What can I serve with Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta?
This creamy pasta is delicious on its own with a side salad for a quick and easy meal. You can also pair it with grilled chicken, grilled salmon or grilled vegetables for dinner any day of the week.
Why is my Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta runny?
To prevent the dish from being too watery, make sure the cooked spinach and artichoke hearts are squeezed dry before adding them in. After cooking the spinach, drain in a mesh strainer and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. You can also drain the cooked spinach in a kitchen towel over a bowl, squeezing out the liquid with a spoon. The artichoke hearts should be drained well and squeezed dry before chopping.
Additional reporting by Jan Valdez and Carrie Myers, M.S.
Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, September 2019
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
371 | Calories |
9g | Fat |
56g | Carbs |
17g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe4 | |
Serving Size1 1/3 cups | |
Calories371 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Carbohydrate56g | 20% |
Dietary Fiber8g | 28% |
Total Sugars6g | |
Protein17g | 33% |
Total Fat9g | 12% |
Saturated Fat4g | 22% |
Cholesterol26mg | 9% |
Vitamin A2827IU | 57% |
Vitamin C17mg | 19% |
Folate9mcg | 2% |
Sodium550mg | 24% |
Calcium240mg | 18% |
Iron3mg | 17% |
Magnesium37mg | 9% |
Potassium397mg | 8% |
Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.
* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.
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