Herby Artichoke Pasta is a fresh and zesty dish that combines tender pasta with delicious artichokes and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s quick and full of flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal!
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but twirl the pasta in my fork like a pro! Plus, it’s such an easy dish to whip up when I’m short on time. Who doesn’t love a tasty dinner that’s ready in a flash?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti works best here, but you can use any pasta you have on hand, like fettuccine or penne. Just remember to cook it until al dente, so it holds up in the dish.
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichoke hearts add great flavor. For a fresh twist, you can also use frozen artichokes, just make sure to thaw and drain them first. If you’re a fan of different flavors, grilled artichokes would be delicious too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that lovely aroma. If you’re in a pinch, you could use garlic powder, but fresh is always better for taste.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work too—use about one-third the amount and adjust to taste. Alternatively, swap in your favorite herbs like thyme or dill!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty touch. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute too if you like a bit more tang.
How Do I Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic can be tricky since it can burn quickly. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Keep the heat medium, and watch it closely. Garlic only needs about a minute—just until it gets fragrant.
- If your pan starts getting too hot, you can add a splash of water or a bit of the reserved pasta water to bring down the temperature.
- Always stir continuously. This keeps the garlic moving and helps it cook evenly.
- If it does burn, it can make your dish bitter, so it’s better to start over than risk that!
Following these tips will help you cook garlic perfectly and elevate your Herby Artichoke Pasta!
How to Make Herby Artichoke Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herb and Seasoning Mix:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for added heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Herby Artichoke Pasta takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 15 minutes for cooking, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s quick, fresh, and incredibly satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the linguine or spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and heat it over medium. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
3. Add the Artichokes:
Next, add the chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re heated through and slightly golden. This adds a nice flavor to the dish!
4. Create the Lemon Sauce:
Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest to the skillet. Then, mix in half of the reserved pasta water (start with about 1/2 cup). Stir it all together until well combined and let it cook for a minute.
5. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so that the pasta is coated in the lemon sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish with Herbs and Cheese:
Finally, stir in the chopped parsley, basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. Mix well to combine all the flavors!
7. Serve It Up:
The dish is ready to serve! Dish up the Herby Artichoke Pasta onto plates, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Canned Artichoke Hearts Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned artichoke hearts are a great, time-saving option and work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and chop them well before adding them to the skillet.
What Type of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?
Linguine or spaghetti are ideal for this dish, but you can use any pasta you enjoy! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of pasta you choose, so follow the package instructions accordingly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Herby Artichoke Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or substituting it with a vegan cheese alternative. Adding nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor without any dairy!
