Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe

This creamy, comforting Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe is made with frozen dip, dried pasta, and fresh spinach, ready in just 20 minutes. Stirring the hot pasta water into the melted dip creates a glossy sauce that coats every single noodle perfectly. I love making this on busy weeknights when my fridge is almost empty.

The Secret To Getting It Right

I used to try making cream sauces from scratch on weeknights, but it always took too much time. Using a pre-made frozen dip as the sauce base changed how I handle dinner emergencies.

The real trick here is saving that starchy pasta water before draining your noodles. I forgot it the first time and the sauce was too thick, but now I know it is the key to a silky finish.

Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• 1 (8.8 oz) package Trader Joe’s Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
• 8 oz dried pasta (fusilli or penne)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

How To Make Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook your dried pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve at least half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Heat the Dip: While the pasta cooks, heat the frozen spinach artichoke dip in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it is fully thawed and bubbly.
3. Combine and Emulsify: Add the drained pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet with the melted dip. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir vigorously.
4. Garnish and Serve: Keep stirring for about two minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the noodles. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Salt the water heavily: The frozen dip is seasoned, but the pasta needs its own salt to taste right.
• Heat the dip slowly: Keep your skillet on medium-low to prevent the cheese in the dip from breaking or turning greasy.
• Save extra pasta water: Always scoop out more water than you think you need just in case the sauce thickens too much.

What To Serve With Spinach Artichoke Pasta

A crisp green salad dressed with a sharp lemon vinaigrette cuts right through the richness of the cream sauce. You can also serve it with grilled chicken breast or garlic bread to stretch the meal further.

How To Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to bring the creamy sauce back to life. I do not recommend freezing this once assembled.

FAQs

Can I use a different brand of dip?

Yes, any frozen spinach artichoke dip will work as long as it is roughly the same size. Just avoid cold, mayonnaise-based deli dips as they will split when heated.

Do I have to thaw the dip first?

No, you can drop the frozen block directly into the skillet. It will melt down in about five to seven minutes over medium-low heat.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely. Stirring in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp right at the end makes this a much heavier meal.

What pasta shape is best?

Short shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or penne grab the thick sauce much better than long noodles like spaghetti.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
• Protein: 16 g

Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

3

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

This creamy, rich Trader Joes Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe uses frozen dip, dried pasta, and fresh spinach for a fast 20-minute dinner. Stirring starchy pasta water into the melted cheese creates a glossy finish that makes weeknight cooking incredibly simple.

Ingredients

• 1 (8.8 oz) package Trader Joe’s Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

• 8 oz dried pasta (fusilli or penne)

• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

• 1 cup fresh baby spinach

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Directions

• 1. Boil the Pasta: Cook your dried pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve at least half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
• 2. Heat the Dip: While the pasta cooks, heat the frozen spinach artichoke dip in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it is fully thawed and bubbly.
• 3. Combine and Emulsify: Add the drained pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet with the melted dip. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir vigorously.
• 4. Garnish and Serve: Keep stirring for about two minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the noodles. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes before serving.