Name: Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 batch high-hydration pizza dough (opt for homemade for best texture); 1 cup heavy cream (can be swapped with half-and-half for a lighter option); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 cups fresh baby spinach (can substitute with well-drained frozen spinach); 4 ounces cream cheese (consider Neufchâtel cheese for a lower-fat option); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (pecorino can be a substitute); 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh mozzarella brings a luxurious touch); ¼ cup grated pecorino Romano (Grana Padano can work as a milder substitute); 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (select high-quality, tender artichokes)

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The aroma of bubbling cheese and roasted garlic wafted from my kitchen, wrapping around me like a warm hug. This creamy spinach artichoke pizza with parmesan sauce has become my go-to recipe for those nights when only something indulgent will do. With its irresistible combination of gooey mozzarella, salty pecorino, and a rich, velvety sauce, it’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Not only is this pizza a crowd-pleaser that brings family and friends together, but it’s also a quick and satisfying way to elevate your weeknight dinners. The high-heat baking creates a blissfully chewy crust that perfectly complements the luscious toppings. Have you ever thought about how wonderful it feels to bring the flavors of a fancy restaurant right into your home? Let’s dive into this recipe that promises to transform your pizza nights!

Why is this pizza a must-try?

Unforgettable Flavors: The harmony of creamy spinach and tangy artichokes creates a symphony of taste that will leave your taste buds singing.

Quick to Prepare: Whip up this pizza in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With its cheesy goodness, this artichoke pizza is bound to impress family and friends alike—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Versatile Toppings: Feel free to customize it! Add toppings like burrata or wild mushrooms for an elevated experience.

Homemade Indulgence: Enjoy the satisfaction of making a restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your kitchen. Pair it with a light side salad or a glass of wine for a complete evening!

Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Ingredients

For the Dough

• Pizza Dough – This serves as the foundation; opt for high-hydration homemade dough for the best texture.

For the Sauce

• Heavy Cream – Adds richness and a silky texture; can be swapped with half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic imparts a fragrant aroma; use powdered garlic only if needed.
• Fresh Baby Spinach – This main ingredient adds nutrients and a lovely texture; frozen spinach works well if well-drained.
• Cream Cheese – Brings extra creaminess to the sauce; consider Neufchâtel cheese for a lower-fat choice.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Elevates the flavor of the cream sauce; pecorino can be a substitute if desired.

For the Toppings

• Mozzarella Cheese – This offers the meltable, creamy quality that makes the pizza irresistible; fresh mozzarella brings a luxurious touch.
• Pecorino Romano – Adds a salty, tangy kick to ensemble; Grana Padano can work as a milder substitute.
• Marinated Artichoke Hearts – The star topping; select high-quality, tender artichokes for the best flavor.

This artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce is an absolute delight that promises to impress!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream and 3 minced garlic cloves over medium heat. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Add 4 cups of fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in 4 ounces of cream cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Prepare Pizza Dough
While the sauce cools, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), ideally using a pizza stone for optimal crispness. Roll out your high-hydration pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness—around 12 inches in diameter works beautifully. Make sure the dough is pliable and not overly warm to ensure it bakes to a lovely chewiness.

Step 3: Assemble Pizza
Spread a generous layer of the creamy spinach parmesan sauce over the prepared pizza dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Use the back of a spoon to create an even layer, ensuring every bite gets that delightful artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce flavor.

Step 4: Add Toppings
Sprinkle about 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by ¼ cup of grated pecorino Romano for that wonderful salty kick. Finally, arrange about 1 cup of marinated artichoke hearts over the cheese for a burst of flavor that complements the creamy base beautifully.

Step 5: Bake
Carefully transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated oven or onto the hot pizza stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and blistered, and the cheeses are bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes, as every oven can vary slightly in temperature.

Step 6: Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Slice it into wedges and serve warm. This savory artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce is ready to be devoured, offering a comforting meal that your family and friends will adore!

Make Ahead Options

These artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the creamy spinach parmesan sauce up to 3 days in advance—just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor and texture. Additionally, the pizza dough can be rolled out and placed on a baking sheet, covered tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the pizza by spreading the sauce over the dough, adding your toppings, and baking it in a preheated oven. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious, homemade pizza on busy weeknights with minimal effort!

Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Variations

Feel free to mix and match these variations to elevate your pizza experience and cater to your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Replace cream and cheese with cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy touch without dairy.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Herbed Bliss: Add fresh basil or oregano to the cream sauce, breathing a burst of herbaceous flavor into each bite.
Spicy Kick: Toss in crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños with the cheese for that perfect fiery accent.
Loaded Veggies: Top with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to enhance texture and nutrition while remaining plant-based.
Savory Add-ons: For an extra umami twist, sprinkle on some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic before baking.
Elevated Creaminess: Swap the cream for a rich, homemade béchamel sauce to add a touch of elegance, reminiscent of classic white pizzas.
Nutty Topping: Finish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts just before serving for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Remember that cooking should be fun and expressive! If you’re looking for more ideas, try pairing your pizza with a light side salad or a refreshing glass of wine to complement your homemade masterpiece. If you’re interested in other cheesy dishes, check out our Cream Cheese Salami Roll-Ups for a tasty appetizer that goes well with your pizza night!

Expert Tips for Artichoke Pizza

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always opt for fresh artichokes and spinach to enhance flavor; their brightness really elevates the artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce.
Avoid Topping Overload: Less is more! Overloading your pizza can make the crust soggy. Aim for a balanced amount of toppings to keep it crispy.
Temperature is Key: Ensure your pizza stone is preheated in the oven before baking. This helps achieve that perfect blistered crust and evenly melted cheese.
Cool the Dough: Roll out the dough quickly and let it rest briefly in the fridge if it becomes too warm; this keeps the texture from becoming gummy.
Trial and Error: If you’re unsure about cooking times, keep an eye on your pizza. Ovens can vary, so checking frequently helps you avoid burning. Enjoy every bite of your artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce!

What to Serve with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pizza?

Pair this indulgent pizza with delightful sides that enhance its creamy richness and fresh flavors.

Simple Side Salad: A light mix of greens tossed in vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pizza, providing a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks brushed with garlic and herbs offer a comforting sidekick that complements the pizza beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies like asparagus or bell peppers with olive oil and seasonings; the earthiness highlights the pizza’s creaminess.
Crispy Bruschetta: Crunchy toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy brightness that balances the cheese.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay enhances the savory notes of the pizza while providing a refreshing sip between bites.
Lemon Sorbet: This light and zesty dessert cleanses the palate after the rich pizza, making it a perfect sweet ending to your meal.

Make your meal unforgettable by pairing this artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce with these delicious accompaniments!

How to Store and Freeze Artichoke Pizza

Fridge: Store any leftover artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezer: If you want to freeze your pizza, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze it before baking.

Reheating: To revive your pizza, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the slices for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust from getting chewy.

Preparation for Freezing: If you plan to freeze the pizza, it’s best to freeze individual slices. This way, you can easily reheat just what you need without thawing the entire pizza.

Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best artichokes for this pizza?
Absolutely! Always opt for high-quality marinated artichoke hearts. Look for tender varieties in jars rather than canned to enjoy a richer flavor and better texture. Check the ingredient list for minimal preservatives and prefer those packed in oil or vinegar for enhanced taste.

How should I store leftover artichoke pizza?
After cooling completely, store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it covered well to prevent it from drying out. If you’d like to maintain the crust’s crispness, it’s best to reheat the pizza in the oven rather than the microwave!

Can I freeze artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce?
Yes, you can freeze this delicious pizza! If you choose to freeze it before baking, tightly wrap the unbaked pizza in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for up to 2 months. If it’s already baked, slice the pizza and wrap each piece individually to make reheating easier. When ready to enjoy, bake it directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy—allow about 15-20 minutes.

What if my pizza dough is too sticky when rolling out?
No worries! If your pizza dough feels overly sticky, dust it with a little flour while rolling it out. Alternatively, you can let it rest for a few minutes; this gives the gluten a chance to relax, making it easier to handle. Just be careful not to over-flour as that might create a tough texture!

What should I do if my sauce turns out too thin?
If you find that your spinach parmesan cream sauce is thinner than desired, try simmering it a bit longer over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will help it thicken beautifully. If you need a quick fix, you can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then slowly whisk it into the sauce and cook until it thickens.

Is this pizza safe for someone with dairy allergies?
Given that this artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce contains multiple dairy ingredients, unfortunately, it’s not suitable for individuals with dairy allergies. However, you can experiment with dairy-free substitutes! Use cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a dairy-free cheese for the toppings, ensuring a delicious yet allergy-conscious pizza experience.