Creamy Spinach Artichoke Penne — Three Many Cooks

Ingredients

• Salt
• 12 ounces (3 cups) Dreamfields penne
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 5 minced garlic cloves, divided
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• Ground black pepper
• 8 ounces light (Neufchatel) cream cheese
• 1 pound frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
• 6 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling