Spinach, Artichoke Pizza
For the dough:
- 1 ball store bought pizza dough
For the sauce:
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup half and half
- ¼ tsp. kosher sea salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
- pinch paprika
- 1 oz. original cream cheese
- 2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
For the crust:
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- For the toppings:
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup seasoned grilled chicken (optional)
- 1 bunch spinach, coarsely chopped and wilted
- 1 (6 oz.) jar marinated artichokes, drained and coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, add butter. When the butter has melted, add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring frequently for about 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, half and half, salt, pepper and paprika. As the sauce thickens, turn heat up to medium and cook for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in the cream cheese and parmesan until melted, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Meanwhile, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 14-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza pan. Fold over the extra inch of dough to form the crust, pressing to seal. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Dock the center of the pizza with a fork to prevent large bubbles from forming. Place in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, remove and set aside. Spread the warm sauce over top, then half of the mozzarella cheese. Add the chicken, spinach and artichoke, then top with remaining mozzarella. Place in the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with shaved parmesan and grated parmesan. Allow to cool for 2-3 additional minutes, then cut and serve.
