– **Title**: Herby Artichoke Pasta
– **Ingredients**:
– 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lemon
– **Instructions**:
1. **Cook the Pasta**: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Garlic**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to let it brown.
3. **Add Artichokes and Tomatoes**: Stir in the artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
4. **Combine Pasta and Herbs**: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine. Stir in the chopped parsley and basil, along with the lemon juice.
5. **Adjust Consistency**: If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
6. **Finish with Cheese**: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to combine thoroughly.
7. **Serve**: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy while warm!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I suggest using spaghetti for its classic shape, but feel free to switch it up! Fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta work well and can give different textures.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichokes are great for convenience. If you have fresh artichokes, you can use them, but they’ll need more preparation. Frozen artichokes are another handy option if you can’t find canned ones.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! If you don’t have any, garlic powder in a pinch will work, but it won’t have quite the same punch. I love using shallots for a milder flavor too.
Pellegrino: You can replace the lemon juice with a splash of white wine vinegar if you prefer less acidity. Use about half the amount and taste as you go! I often add zest for extra flavor, too.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, but if you’re looking for a gal that’s dairy-free, try nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative for a similar cheesy taste without the dairy.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Garlic?
The garlic is key to this dish, so you want to get it just right. Here’s how to make sure it shines:
- Heat your oil to a medium temperature before adding the garlic. Too hot, and it’ll burn quickly!
- Cook the garlic for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant. Stay nearby and keep an eye on it!
- If it starts to brown too much, lower the heat and stir constantly to avoid burning.
Taking the time to cook garlic properly creates a full, rich flavor that enhances the entire dish. Avoiding burning is the key to keeping it tasty!
How to Make Herby Artichoke Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: Fresh mozzarella or burrata for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Herby Artichoke Pasta recipe will take about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pasta, followed by around 15 minutes to sauté the artichokes and mix everything together. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti or your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This will help create a lovely sauce later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
3. Add the Artichokes:
Next, carefully add the quartered artichoke hearts to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, letting them warm through and get a slight crisp on the edges. This adds a nice texture to the dish!
4. Season with Herbs and Spices:
Once the artichokes are ready, stir in the optional red pepper flakes, along with the chopped parsley and basil. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything to spread those lovely flavors around!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time, mixing it in to create a sauce that coats the pasta nicely. Keep tossing until well combined!
6. Final Touches:
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the pasta and toss again to mix. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious Herby Artichoke Pasta is ready to serve! Plate the pasta warm and top it with extra Parmesan cheese. If you’d like, add some fresh mozzarella or burrata on top for an extra creamy touch. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta you love, like penne, farfalle, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions for the best results.
Can I Use Frozen Artichoke Hearts Instead?
Yes, frozen artichoke hearts work great! Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the skillet. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by submerging the sealed bag in warm water. Drain them well before sautéing.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
How Can I Make It Creamier?
If you prefer a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese while stirring in the Parmesan. This will enhance the richness of the dish while maintaining those fresh herb flavors.
