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Homemade Weeknight Pasta with Artichoke Sauce. recipe photo

Weeknight Pasta with Artichoke Sauce.

This Weeknight Pasta with Artichoke Sauce is a quick and delicious dinner that bursts with flavor!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce:
  • 1 14 ounce can artichoke hearts drained
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
  • 1 whole lemon zest freshly grated and juiced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or bucatini cooked
  • ½ cup reserved starchy pasta water
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for topping

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Garlic press or knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microplane or grater
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or bucatini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
  3. Next, add the drained artichoke hearts to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break them up slightly as you stir. Season with ¾ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the artichokes to warm through and absorb the garlic flavor.
  4. Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the artichoke mixture. Pour in the reserved starchy pasta water, the juice, and zest of the lemon, and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary. Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious Weeknight Pasta with Artichoke Sauce!

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water for a creamy sauce consistency.
  • Freshly grated cheese enhances flavor and melts better.
  • Feel free to add seasonal vegetables for variations.