Imagine a plate of pasta so vibrant, so delicious, that it transforms your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience. This Veggie Pasta with Artichokes and Asparagus is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that combines the earthy richness of artichokes, the crisp freshness of asparagus, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a quick and delectable meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta of choice
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 200g asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Drain the artichoke hearts and quarter them.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add asparagus to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add quartered artichoke hearts to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, gently mixing with the asparagus.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with vegetables.
- Toss the pasta and vegetables together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously – it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish. • Keep your asparagus crisp by cooking it briefly; you want a bright green color and slight tenderness. • Reserve some pasta water before draining, as its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce. • Use fresh garlic and avoid browning it to maintain a sweet, mild flavor. • Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the most intense flavor and best texture. • For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or white beans to the pasta. • If you're not a fan of artichokes, you can easily substitute with roasted bell peppers or zucchini. • Use high-quality olive oil to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 396kcal
Carbohydrates: 61g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
