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Pesto Artichoke Pasta

A delightful dish combining creamy heavy cream, zesty lemon, and unique artichokes, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp oil A drizzle of oil that enriches the dish and enhances the flavors.
  • 14.5 oz canned artichokes (drained and chopped) Tender and slightly tangy artichokes add a unique element that’s creamy and delightful.
  • 1/2 lb pasta (linguine recommended) Choose linguine for its ability to hold onto the sauce beautifully.
  • 1 shallot (minced) Sweet and aromatic shallots provide a subtle yet delightful onion-like flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic brings a robust depth to the dish.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream This creamy ingredient offers a rich texture that’s comforting and indulgent.
  • 1/2 cup pesto Lively and herbaceous, pesto brings vibrance and depth to the sauce.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) Nutty and salty, Parmesan elevates the dish with its savory profile.
  • 1/2 lemon (juice and zest) The bright acidity of lemon lifts the entire dish, making it fresh and flavorful.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Cook the pasta according to the packaging instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve at least 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Sautéing Aromatics
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add minced shallot and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and the shallots are translucent.
Adding Artichokes
  1. Stir in the chopped artichokes, allowing them to cook for an additional 2 minutes. This step helps to infuse their flavor into the oil and builds the foundation of the dish.
Creating the Sauce
  1. Pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring to scrape up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Then, add the heavy cream and let it thicken for a minute or two, transforming it into a luxuriously creamy sauce.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the pesto, lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine all the ingredients well.
Mixing in Pasta
  1. Finally, incorporate the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Serve this delicious dish warm and enjoy!

Notes

Reserved pasta water helps to thin out the sauce if needed and contains starch that binds the sauce to the pasta. Feel free to customize your pesto or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp if desired.