Pasta loaded with artichokes and creamy cheese is everything a Sunday dinner should be: rich, tasty and memorable. Add cooked chicken, shrimp or crab if you like.
Ingredients
1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
6 tablespoons butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
12 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 16 cups)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups 2% milk
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
Cook pasta according to package directions. In a 6-qt. Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 30 seconds. Add spinach; cook and stir just until wilted, 1-2 minutes. Remove from pot.
In same pot, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, wine and seasonings; stir until smooth. Stir in artichoke hearts; heat through.
Drain pasta; add to sauce, tossing to coat. Stir in spinach mixture. Transfer to a serving dish; sprinkle with bread crumbs. Serve immediately.