Description
Creamy artichoke pasta brings Mediterranean charm to dinner tables with its silky, herbaceous sauce. Home cooks will savor this elegant dish that combines tender artichokes and rich ingredients in a simple yet luxurious culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 can (14 ounces) or jar (1216 ounces) artichoke hearts (drained and roughly chopped)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth (or pasta water for extra silkiness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salted water (for boiling the pasta)
Instructions
- Fill a generously sized pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Carefully add pasta to the bubbling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until tender with a slight resistance when bitten.
- Before draining, carefully extract a half cup of starchy cooking liquid, which will help emulsify the sauce later.
- Strain the pasta in a colander, allowing excess water to drain completely, and set aside momentarily.
Notes
- Drain artichoke hearts thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and ensure a rich, creamy texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for deeper flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.
- Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky smooth coating that clings perfectly to pasta.
- Consider adding red pepper flakes or lemon zest for an extra flavor boost that elevates the simple artichoke sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg