Spinach Artichoke Garlic Naan Pizza: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a super easy, ridiculously delicious, and surprisingly healthy weeknight meal? Look no further than this Spinach Artichoke Garlic Naan Pizza! It’s the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and garlicky flavors, all baked on a crispy naan bread crust. This recipe is quick enough for even the busiest evenings and satisfying enough to become a family favorite.

## Why Naan Pizza?

Naan bread makes the *perfect* pizza crust for a few reasons:

* **Convenience:** Naan is readily available in most grocery stores, saving you the time and effort of making pizza dough from scratch.
* **Texture:** It has a wonderful chewy yet slightly crispy texture that holds up well to toppings.
* **Speed:** Naan pizzas bake incredibly quickly, making them ideal for a fast weeknight dinner.
* **Portion Control:** Individual naan breads are perfectly sized for personal pizzas, allowing everyone to customize their toppings.

## The Star Ingredients

This Spinach Artichoke Garlic Naan Pizza features a delicious combination of flavors:

* **Naan Bread:** The base of our pizza – choose your favorite variety! Plain, garlic, or even whole wheat naan works well.
* **Spinach:** Adds a boost of nutrients and a lovely earthy flavor. Fresh or frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) can be used.
* **Artichoke Hearts:** Provide a briny, slightly tangy flavor that complements the spinach beautifully. Canned artichoke hearts in water or marinade both work; just be sure to drain them well.
* **Garlic:** Essential for that characteristic spinach artichoke dip flavor. Freshly minced garlic is best, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
* **Cream Cheese:** The base of our creamy sauce. Use full-fat for the richest flavor, or light cream cheese to save on calories.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Melts beautifully and adds a classic pizza flavor. You can use pre-shredded mozzarella or shred your own.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Provides a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses. Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal.
* **Olive Oil:** Adds richness and helps the garlic and spinach to cook evenly.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** Adds a touch of heat.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season everything to perfection.

## The Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Garlic Naan Pizza

**Yields:** 2-4 servings (depending on the size of the naan bread)

**Prep time:** 15 minutes

**Cook time:** 10-12 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 2-4 pieces of naan bread
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped, OR 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

### Equipment:

* Baking sheet
* Large skillet
* Mixing bowl

### Instructions:

**Get Started:**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

**Prepare the Spinach Artichoke Mixture:**

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. If using fresh spinach, this will take about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, make sure all excess moisture is evaporated.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the spinach and garlic mixture to a mixing bowl.
5. Add the softened cream cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well to combine.

**Assemble the Naan Pizzas:**

6. Place the naan bread on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Spread the spinach artichoke mixture evenly over each naan bread.
8. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

**Bake the Pizzas:**

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the naan bread is lightly golden brown.

**Serve:**

10. Remove the naan pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach artichoke mixture for a little heat. You can also use a dash of hot sauce after baking.
* **Add protein:** Cooked chicken, bacon, or prosciutto would be delicious additions to this pizza.
* **Use different cheeses:** Try using goat cheese, feta cheese, or provolone cheese in addition to or instead of mozzarella and Parmesan.
* **Add vegetables:** Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms would be great additions to the spinach artichoke mixture.
* **Make it vegan:** Use vegan cream cheese and vegan mozzarella cheese.
* **Grill the naan:** For a smoky flavor, grill the naan bread for a few minutes per side before adding the toppings and baking in the oven.
* **Herbs are your friend:** Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley, sprinkled on after baking, adds a pop of fresh flavor.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** If you’re making a lot of pizzas, bake them in batches to ensure even cooking.
* **Get creative with the naan:** Experiment with different flavors of naan bread, such as garlic, onion, or sesame seed.

## Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Artichoke Garlic Naan Pizza is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* A simple green salad
* A cup of tomato soup
* A side of roasted vegetables
* A glass of white wine or a refreshing beer

## Make Ahead Tips

You can easily prepare the spinach artichoke mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes assembling the pizzas even quicker on a busy weeknight. Simply spread the mixture on the naan bread and bake as directed.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover naan pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the naan bread may become a little soggy.

## Nutritional Information (approximate per pizza, using 1 naan bread):

* Calories: 450-600 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Can I use frozen spinach?**

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the mixture. This will prevent the pizza from becoming soggy.

**Can I use jarred artichoke hearts in oil?**

Yes, but make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels before chopping them. The oil can make the pizza greasy.

**Can I make this pizza gluten-free?**

Yes, simply use gluten-free naan bread. Many brands offer gluten-free naan options.

**Can I add other toppings?**

Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, or olives.

**My naan bread is getting too crispy. What can I do?**

If your naan bread is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.

**Can I freeze the assembled pizzas?**

While you *can* freeze the assembled pizzas, the texture of the naan bread may change slightly upon thawing and baking. For best results, freeze the spinach artichoke mixture separately and assemble the pizzas just before baking.

## Conclusion

This Spinach Artichoke Garlic Naan Pizza is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its creamy, savory, and garlicky flavors, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, grab some naan bread, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful pizza in minutes!

Enjoy!