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Pasta with Artichoke Sauce

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Pasta with artichoke sauce is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that turns tender artichoke hearts into a rich, velvety sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or an elegant dinner. Serve it with your favorite pasta and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy – Ready in just 25 minutes!
  • Rich & creamy – Artichokes blend into a smooth, luxurious sauce.
  • Healthy & satisfying – Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
  • Versatile – Works with different pasta shapes and add-ins.
  • Perfect for all diets – Can be made vegan, gluten-free, or protein-packed.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Artichoke Sauce:

  • Canned or jarred artichoke hearts (drained)
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic, minced
  • Onion, chopped
  • Heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • Chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Lemon juice & zest
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Pasta:

  • Pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Artichoke Sauce

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
  3. Add artichoke hearts, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Pour in broth and lemon juice, then simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth (or leave slightly chunky for texture).

Step 3: Finish the Dish

  1. Return the sauce to the pan over low heat. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
  2. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water for a silky texture.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and extra Parmesan.
  2. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Vegan Version – Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Extra Protein – Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
  • Mushroom Addition – Sauté sliced mushrooms for extra umami.
  • Pesto Twist – Mix in a spoonful of basil pesto for added flavor.
  • Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as creamy sauces can separate.

FAQs

Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned?

Yes! Steam or boil fresh artichokes, remove the hearts, and use as directed.

What’s the best pasta for this sauce?

Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti hold the sauce best.

Can I make this without a blender?

Yes! Use a potato masher for a chunkier sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer longer or stir in ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.

Can I add cheese besides Parmesan?

Yes! Pecorino Romano or goat cheese work well.

What’s the best wine pairing?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat and mix with pasta.

What side dishes pair well with this dish?

Serve with garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus.

How do I keep the sauce from drying out?

Use reserved pasta water or a splash of broth when reheating.

Can I use marinated artichokes?

Yes! Just rinse and pat dry before using to avoid excess oil.

Conclusion

Pasta with artichoke sauce is a rich, creamy, and delicious meal that’s both easy to make and full of Mediterranean flavors. Whether you enjoy it vegan, creamy, or with added protein, this dish is versatile and satisfying. Try it tonight for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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Pasta with Artichoke Sauce

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
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Description

This creamy, flavorful Pasta with Artichoke Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender artichoke hearts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil into a silky sauce. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • Salted water (for boiling the pasta)

For the Artichoke Sauce:

  • 1 can (14 oz) or jar (12–16 oz) artichoke hearts (drained and roughly chopped)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth (or pasta water for extra silkiness)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Artichoke Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Add chopped artichoke hearts and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Pour in broth (or pasta water) and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 3: Toss & Serve

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  2. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm!

Serving Suggestions

  • With protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a heartier meal.
  • With veggies: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
  • With bread: Serve with garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to scoop up the sauce.

Notes

  • Make it vegan: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • More texture? Blend half the artichoke sauce for a smoother consistency while leaving some chunks.
  • Extra cheesy? Add more Parmesan or a sprinkle of feta before serving.
  • Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles).

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