Artichoke Pesto Pasta
Deliciously creamy, this vegan pasta with artichoke pesto is full of flavor and perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
- 4 ounces spaghetti or other pasta
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ½ cup basil leaves tightly packed
- 4 artichoke hearts* drained, rinsed
- ⅛ cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- pinch salt
- pinch black pepper
Optional toppings
- 2 artichoke hearts
- basil leaves
Instructions
- Tip the pine nuts into a dry skillet (without oil) and lightly toast on a low heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly browned.
- Cook the spaghetti according to packet instructions in lightly salted water so that it is al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water.
- Add the artichoke hearts, pine nuts, basil leaves (reserve a few for garnish), olive oil, garlic and apple cider vinegar to a blender, along with 2 tablespoon of the pasta water. Blend to a smooth pesto sauce. If the sauce is thicker than you like, add more pasta water and blend again.
- Optional: heat olive oil in your skillet and warm through halved artichoke hearts to use a topping.
- Drain your pasta in a colander and return to the pan. Stir through the artichoke pesto sauce. You can add a tablespoon more pasta water to thin if you like.
- Use tongs to transfer the pasta to your bowls. Season with salt and black pepper, and artichoke hearts and basil leaves to preference.
Notes
*I use canned artichokes hearts in water. If you wish, you can prepare and then steam or roast fresh artichokes yourself then add to the pesto.
- When preparing the pesto, pack the basil leaves into your measuring cup. We want lots of herb flavor!
- Toasting the pine nuts is optional, but does give an extra nutty taste.
- Adjust the pesto to preference with more pasta water.
- This recipe gives a generous amount of pesto. You can freeze any extra for another meal!
- If making ahead, you can make the sauce separately and freeze. When reheating you may need to add a touch of extra pasta water. I don't recommend to make and freeze the complete dish with the pasta.
- Nutritional information is auto-generated and should be understood to be an estimate.
- pasta (wheat) which scores 1. You can use alternative or gluten free pasta if you prefer.
- artichokes score 0 but this would be fresh produce. If canned doesn't work for you then prepare from fresh.
- garlic and apple cider vinegar, which score 1.
- black pepper, which scores 2.
- pine nuts aren't rated, but are low histamine on other lists.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 259mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 322IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg