Easy Lemon Artichoke Pasta

Lemon and artichoke pasta with spinach in a pan.

Easy Lemon Artichoke Pasta

This Lemon Artichoke Pasta is a delightful, light, and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Made with penne, canned artichokes, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this recipe is both easy and delicious, ready in under 30 minutes.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings: Servings

Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Instructions

Cook the pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

Prepare the sauce:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the artichokes and spinach:

Add the drained and quartered artichokes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the artichokes are heated through. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Combine pasta and sauce:

Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the artichokes. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, red pepper flakes, and half of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add more pasta water as needed.

Finish the dish:

Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Artichoke Preparation: Make sure to thoroughly drain the canned artichokes to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Pine Nuts: To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Lemon Flavor: Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference. Add more for a tangier flavor or less for a milder taste.
Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water contains starch which helps to create a smooth and silky sauce. Use it sparingly to achieve your desired consistency.

Nutrition

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