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If you’ve been dreaming of a pizza that’s indulgent yet fresh, creamy yet light, then the Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been craving. This pizza brings together a luscious spinach parmesan cream sauce that’s silky and rich, perfectly layered beneath gooey mozzarella and pecorino cheeses, then crowned with tangy marinated artichoke hearts. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and invites you to savor something truly special and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the thoughtful harmony of each ingredient. From the creamy spinach sauce to the fresh cheeses and tangy artichokes, every component adds its own distinctive texture, flavor, and color, making this pizza a masterpiece on your plate.
- Heavy cream (1 ¼ cups): Provides the rich base that makes the spinach parmesan cream sauce irresistibly smooth and velvety.
- Garlic clove (1, smashed and peeled): Infuses subtle aromatic depth into the cream sauce without overwhelming it.
- Cream cheese (1 ½ oz): Adds a tangy silkiness that balances the sauce perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the sauce and toppings pop in every bite.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Gives just the right amount of spice to complement the creaminess.
- Finely grated parmesan (½ oz): Brings a nutty, salty punch that’s essential for the sauce’s signature flavor.
- Baby spinach (3 oz): Wilts into the sauce, offering a fresh, slightly earthy contrast and vibrant green color.
- Artisan pizza dough (½ recipe, about 15 oz dough ball): The perfect sturdy but tender crust base for this flavor-packed pizza.
- Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (4 oz): Melts beautifully, creating that dreamy stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
- Coarsely grated pecorino cheese (1 oz): Adds a sharp, salty tang that elevates every bite.
- Marinated artichoke quarters (4 oz, about 8-10 pieces): Offering a bright, slightly acidic flavor that cuts through the richness perfectly.
How to Make Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce
Begin by warming the heavy cream and smashed garlic clove gently in a saucepan over medium heat. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as it heats, then simmer it down until it reduces by half, concentrating the flavors. Once reduced, discard the garlic and toss in the baby spinach, cooking until it wilts down tenderly. Stir in the parmesan and cream cheese until everything melts into a luxuriously smooth sauce. This creamy foundation will make your pizza unforgettable.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
While the sauce cools, preheat your oven to 500°F with a pizza steel or stone in the center rack for at least 45 minutes to get that beautifully crisp crust. On a floured surface, gently flatten your dough ball, keeping a thick one-inch rim around the edges for a perfect crust lip. Then, carefully stretch it out using gravity and your hands into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a generously floured pizza peel, making sure it slides freely and doesn’t stick—adjust the flour if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the cooled spinach parmesan cream sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a half-inch border untouched for that lovely crust edge. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and coarsely grated pecorino generously over the sauce. Finally, scatter the marinated artichoke hearts across the top, creating a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors that promise every bite will delight.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pizza carefully onto the preheated steel or stone. Bake it uncovered for about five minutes to start crisping that crust and melting the cheese. Then switch on the broiler and broil the pizza for 2 to 4 minutes—eyeing it closely—to let the cheese bubble into golden perfection and your crust develop those irresistible charred spots. When it’s done, let it rest briefly before slicing to let the flavors settle and the cheese set slightly for the perfect slice.
How to Serve Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this pizza with a simple garnish can elevate it even further. A sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds brightness and aroma. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a scattering of lemon zest also pairs beautifully with the artichoke’s tang and the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This pizza shines best alongside light, refreshing sides. Consider a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad that adds a clean crunch. Roasted garlic hummus with pita slices or a chilled white wine also complement the richness of the toppings beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pizza as mini flatbreads or cut into bite-sized squares for a party platter. You can also turn it into an open-faced sandwich by placing slices of the pizza atop toasted baguette rounds. No matter how you present it, the Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe will be the star of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays tasty for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy this delightful combination whenever cravings hit.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispy crust, or use an oven preheated to 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until warm and melty. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that perfect pizza texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for the sauce?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach before stirring it into the cream sauce to keep it from getting too watery.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the sauce?
If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta can work nicely, bringing a similar creamy texture with a subtle variation in flavor.
How do I know when the pizza crust is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crust with some charred spots, and cheese that’s bubbling and slightly browned. The crust should feel crisp yet tender with a nice chew.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is entirely vegetarian and packed with wholesome, delicious ingredients that make it a satisfying meal without meat.
Can I make the spinach parmesan cream sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be made a day ahead, cooled completely, and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before spreading on your dough to make assembly quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
This Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy nights at home or impressing friends at a gathering. Its rich, creamy sauce paired with tangy artichokes and perfectly melted cheeses makes every bite feel like a warm hug. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite pizza topping combination for life!
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Artichoke Pizza with Spinach Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (4 servings)
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious artichoke pizza features a creamy spinach parmesan sauce spread over an artisan pizza dough base, topped with shredded mozzarella, pecorino cheese, and marinated artichoke hearts. The pizza is baked to perfection with a slightly charred crust and melted cheese, creating a rich and savory vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Spinach Cream Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
- 1 ½ oz cream cheese
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ oz finely grated parmesan
- 3 oz baby spinach
Artichoke Pizza
- ½ recipe artisan pizza dough (one 15 oz dough ball)
- Spinach cream sauce (all of recipe above)
- 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
Instructions
- Make the spinach cream sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and smashed garlic clove. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until the cream reduces by half, approximately ¾ cup or less remaining. Remove and discard the garlic clove.
- Add spinach and cheeses: Toss in the baby spinach and cook for about 3 minutes, or until wilted. Stir in the finely grated parmesan and cream cheese. Continue cooking until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning to taste. Let the sauce cool.
- Preheat the oven and pizza stone: Place a pizza steel or stone in the middle rack of your oven. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) and allow the stone to heat for a full 45 minutes to ensure a crispy crust.
- Prepare the pizza dough: Generously flour a pizza peel and set aside. On a floured surface, press the middle of the dough ball into a large disk, maintaining a thick 1-inch lip around the edges. Holding the thick edge, use gravity and gentle stretching to form a 12-inch circular pizza. Place the shaped dough onto the prepared pizza peel and adjust to an even circle. Jiggle lightly to confirm the dough isn’t sticking; add flour if needed.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread the cooled spinach cream sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a ½-inch border free of sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated pecorino evenly over the sauce. Scatter the marinated artichoke quarters on top.
- Bake the pizza: Slide the assembled pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza steel or stone. Bake for 5 minutes at 500°F. Then, turn on the broiler and broil the pizza for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is fully melted and the crust develops charred spots for added flavor.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm.
Notes
- If you do not have a pizza stone or steel, use a heavy baking sheet turned upside down and preheated in the oven.
- The broiling step is important for achieving a nice char on the crust and bubbling cheese; watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute whole milk mozzarella with part-skim, but whole milk provides a creamier texture.
- Use fresh baby spinach instead of frozen for best texture in the cream sauce.
- Be sure to drain and pat dry the marinated artichoke hearts to prevent soggy crust.