Pasta With Artichokes
A creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender artichoke hearts, garlic, and fragrant Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a sophisticated yet comforting meal, it combines rich creaminess with bright lemon and nutty crunch, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions with friends or family.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen artichoke hearts or 12 fresh tiny artichokes ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- Juice of 1/2 lemon ⓘ
- 1 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 8 oz. fresh fettuccine ⓘ
- 1/3 cup toasted cashews, pine nuts or almonds, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim the artichokes and prepare as for hearts, cutting in halves or quarters, or thaw frozen artichokes and use as they come in the package.
- Saute chopped onion in butter until translucent.
- Add finely chopped garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and artichokes.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes longer until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add cooked, chopped fettuccine, chopped toasted nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss everything together, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, optionally with bread and wine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth. You can also use frozen artichoke hearts if fresh ones aren't available. If you prefer a nut-free dish, omit the nuts entirely or use sunflower seeds. Sautéing the garlic until fragrant before adding other ingredients enhances the flavor. Pair with a crisp white wine for a delightful balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light seafood dish, such as Seafood Fettuccine. A crisp white wine complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Artichokes contains roughly 1092 calories, with 23g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2201mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with any pasta you prefer, such as linguine or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it's cooked al dente.
What if I can't find fresh artichokes?
No problem! Frozen artichoke hearts work perfectly in this recipe and save time. Just thaw them before cooking. Canned artichokes can also be used; just drain and rinse them before adding to the sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can enhance it by adding more vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. For a heartier option, toss in some cooked chickpeas or lentils to boost the protein content.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).