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Creamy Artichoke Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 70 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy artichoke pesto pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish combining homemade artichoke pesto with tender pappardelle pasta and a rich cream sauce. The pesto, made from artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, basil, walnuts, and parmesan, brings a vibrant and nutty freshness, perfectly balanced by a hint of lemon zest. It's an elegant yet easy-to-make vegetarian meal that serves six and is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb. pappardelle pasta
  • Kosher salt, for boiling water

Cream Sauce

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Artichoke Pesto

  • 12 oz. jar artichoke hearts, drained
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Lemon zest, for garnish
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine the drained artichoke hearts, fresh spinach, basil leaves, garlic cloves, toasted walnuts, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Process until smooth and well integrated to create a vibrant and creamy pesto base.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
  3. Make the cream sauce: In a wide sauté pan over medium-low heat, pour in the heavy cream. Gently bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow the cream to reduce by half, thickening the sauce, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once reduced, remove the pan from the heat.
  4. Combine pasta and pesto: Add the prepared pesto, a splash of the reserved pasta water, and the cooked pappardelle pasta into the reduced cream sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly and create a luscious consistency.
  5. Season and garnish: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Serve immediately garnished with additional parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for brightness and extra flavor.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water when draining; it helps adjust the sauce’s consistency.
  • Toast walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor in the pesto.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for the best taste and melting quality.
  • This dish contains gluten and dairy; consider gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://skysrecipes.com/creamy-artichoke-pesto-pasta-recipe/