Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
Creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, this pasta dish packs in all the nostalgic tastes of the classic spinach and artichoke dip. This can be made higher protein or higher fat. Either way, I like to serve this along with another protein such as pan seared chicken breasts or grilled shrimp for a full meal. Or omit the pasta and serve this as a lower fat artichoke dip.
Servings 4
Calories 468kcal
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lupin flour pasta or edamame pasta, or kelp noodle pasta
- 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese cut into small pieces, or Kite Hill cream cheese for dairy-free, use full fat for higher fat
- 12 ounces silken tofu or use another 4 ounces cream cheese and thin with 1/4-1/2 cup cashew milk, or coconut cream for high fat
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish, if desired, or your favorite dairy-free Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves
- 5 ounce baby spinach
- 14 ounces artichoke hearts drained and chopped
- 1/2-1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or Soffritto seasoning blend, to taste
- 1 tablespoon parsley minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Combine the cream cheese, tofu, Parmesan, and garlic in a high power blender, blend until completely smooth. Pour into a large nonstick pan along with the Italian seasoning and bring to a simmer. Turn off the heat and stir in the spinach and artichoke hearts. Stir until the spinach is wilted. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add the pasta and parsley and stir to combine. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if using and serve.
Notes
If you are omitting the tofu, skip the blender and simply whisk the cream cheese, cashew milk, and minced garlic together and bring to a simmer before stirring in the Parmesan, spinach, and artichokes.
Protein:Energy Quotient [calories]: 0.76
Nutrition without pasta (to serve as as a dip): Calories: 278 cal, Carbs: 14g, Fiber: 3g, Fat: 19g, Protein: 12g, Protein:Energy Quotient [calories]: 0.33
Nutrition
Calories: 468kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 731mg | Potassium: 463mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4675IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 3mg