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Easy Weeknight Pasta with Artichoke Sauce. photo

Weeknight Pasta with Artichoke Sauce.

Quick pasta tossed with a creamy artichoke and Parmesan sauce, brightened with lemon and parsley — ready on weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Food Processor
  • Colander
  • Tongs or pasta fork

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 14 ouncecan artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1/2 cupfreshly grated parmesan cheese plus more for topping
  • 1 lemon zest freshly grated and juiced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 4 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoonsalt
  • 1/2 teaspoonpepper
  • 8 ouncesspaghetti or bucatini cooked
  • 1/4 cupreserved starchy pasta water.
  • 1/4 cupchopped fresh parsley for topping

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  • If using artichokes marinated in oil or packed in brine, drain them thoroughly. Place the drained artichoke hearts (1 14‑ounce can), 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 4 minced garlic cloves, 4 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a food processor.
  • Pulse/blend the artichoke mixture until combined and creamy but still slightly textured — it should be sauce-like, not completely smooth. Taste and add more salt or pepper only if needed.
  • Cook 8 ounces spaghetti or bucatini according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then drain the pasta (do not rinse).
  • Return the hot drained pasta to the pot off the heat (or over the lowest burner). Immediately add the artichoke sauce and toss to combine.
  • Add the reserved 1/4 cup starchy pasta water a little at a time while tossing, until the sauce coats the noodles and comes together to your liking.
  • Sprinkle additional Parmesan (to taste) and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the pasta, toss briefly to distribute, and serve immediately.

Notes

Notes
slightly adapted from
delicious mag