How to Make the Perfect Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake
American · Medium · 55 min · 10 servings
This hearty pasta bake transforms the beloved spinach artichoke dip into a satisfying main dish casserole perfect for feeding a crowd. It is bubbling with creamy cheese sauce and packed with tender pasta that soaks up every bit of the rich filling.
Why this recipe works
This Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 430 calories with 17g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 14 oz canned artichoke hearts drained and chopped
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1.5 cup shredded Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 cup whole milk
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Preheat
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until two minutes shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat combine the cream cheese and whole milk, whisking constantly until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Stir in one cup of the Parmesan and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Combine and Transfer
Add the drained pasta, chopped artichoke hearts, and squeezed dry spinach to the sauce and stir until everything is well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining half cup of Parmesan over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling vigorously around the edges.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → heavy cream for an even richer sauce
- canned artichoke hearts → frozen artichoke hearts thawed and chopped
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not squeezing the spinach dry enough which makes the final dish watery and thin
- Overcooking the pasta before baking which makes it mushy and unable to hold its shape
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 430 calories, 17g protein, 45g carbs, 21g fat, 4g fiber.
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