Description
This High Protein Spinach Artichoke Pizza is a nutritious and flavorful twist on classic pizza, featuring a whole wheat crust topped with a creamy blend of low-fat cream cheese, sautéed spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, and a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that satisfies your pizza cravings with a boost of protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 whole wheat pizza dough (12 oz)
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
Cheese Mixture
- 4 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for baking the pizza. This high temperature ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the whole wheat pizza dough on a floured surface until it reaches about 12 inches in diameter, creating an even base for your toppings.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped spinach and marinated artichoke hearts until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the creamy cheese spread: In a bowl, mix softened low-fat cream cheese with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough. Layer the sautéed spinach and artichokes on top, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan to finish.
- Bake the pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
- You can substitute fresh artichokes if preferred but adjust the sauté time accordingly.
- Use part-skim cheeses to keep the pizza lower in fat while maintaining flavor.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftover pizza can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture.
