Artichoke pizza with spinach parmesan cream sauce is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. This pizza combines crispy crust with a creamy topping that feels like a big hug. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This artichoke pizza is not just easy to make; it’s also full of flavor. The creamy spinach sauce adds richness, while the artichokes give a nice texture and a burst of Mediterranean taste. It’s a great way to enjoy pizza without all the heavy ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or a casual meal, it’s something everyone will love.
How to Prepare Artichoke Pizza
Making this pizza is simple and fun. You’ll start with a fresh pizza dough, which you can either make or buy. Then, the magic happens with a creamy spinach sauce that you’ll spread over the dough. Finally, top it off with artichokes and mozzarella for a delicious finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for special occasions.
What You Need
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
- 1 1/2 oz cream cheese
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 oz finely grated parmesan
- 3 oz baby spinach
- 1/2 recipe artisan pizza dough (one 15 oz dough ball)
- 4 oz shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (whole milk, if possible)
- 1 oz coarsely grated pecorino
- 4 oz marinated artichoke quarters (8-10), drained and patted dry
Directions
- Preheat your oven according to your pizza dough instructions.
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and garlic over medium heat.
- Once warm, stir in the cream cheese until it’s melted and smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, parmesan, and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Spread the warm spinach cream sauce over the dough.
- Top with mozzarella, artichokes, and pecorino cheese.
- Bake following the dough instructions until the crust is golden and crispy.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this delicious pizza with a fresh salad on the side to balance the rich flavors. You might also enjoy it with some garlic knots or a light soup. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine to complement the meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the pizza cool down completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it, but it’s best to eat it fresh for the best texture. To reheat, place slices in the oven until warm, keeping the crust nice and crispy.
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- If you like it extra cheesy, add more mozzarella before baking.
- Make sure to drain the artichokes well to avoid a soggy pizza.
- If you have leftovers, consider slicing them into smaller pieces for easy snacks.
- Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or feta for a unique twist.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Use frozen spinach if fresh is not available; just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
- For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free pizza crust.
- You can use any favorite cheese; goat cheese also works great!
- If you’re a meat lover, add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Common Questions
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach cream sauce a day before. Just store it in the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze slices of the pizza. It helps to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Frozen spinach works fine too; just make sure to squeeze out all the excess water.
How do I reheat pizza without getting it soggy?
Reheat it in the oven or a skillet to keep the crust crispy.
What can I serve with this pizza?
Pair it with a light salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce
Ingredients
For the Cream Sauce
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 clove garlic, smashed and peeled
- 1 1/2 oz cream cheese Use full-fat for a creamier sauce.
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 oz finely grated parmesan
- 3 oz baby spinach Fresh is recommended.
For the Pizza Base
- 1/2 recipe artisan pizza dough (one 15 oz dough ball) Store-bought or homemade.
- 4 oz shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (whole milk, if possible)
- 1 oz coarsely grated pecorino Can substitute with other hard cheeses.
- 4 oz marinated artichoke quarters (8-10), drained and patted dry
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven according to your pizza dough instructions.
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and garlic over medium heat.
- Once warm, stir in the cream cheese until it’s melted and smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, parmesan, and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Spread the warm spinach cream sauce over the dough.
- Top with mozzarella, artichokes, and pecorino cheese.
- Bake following the dough instructions until the crust is golden and crispy.
