Easy Spaghetti with Artichoke Hearts and Tomatoes Recipe
Simplicity meets sophistication in a velvety, tangy sauce built from pantry ingredients.
Spaghetti with Artichoke Hearts and Tomatoes: A Simple, Satisfying Pasta
Weeknight dinners don’t get much easier—or more delicious—than a classic pasta dish that comes together from pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. This Spaghetti with Artichoke Hearts and Tomatoes recipe from The Pioneer Woman is a perfect example: it’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, but requires minimal prep and cook time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a quick, company-worthy meal, this recipe is a solid choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pasta dishes are beloved for their versatility, ease, and the comfort they bring to any meal. This particular recipe stands out because:
- It uses mostly canned and pantry ingredients, so you can make it on short notice.
- It’s a creamy, tomato-based sauce, offering the best of both Italian worlds: vibrant tomato flavor and lush, silky cream.
- It’s fast. You can have dinner on the table in about 25 minutes, start to finish.
- It’s adaptable—add grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp if you want protein, or keep it vegetarian.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids, and it’s fancy enough for company.
Recipe Ingredients
This recipe is a testament to the magic of pantry cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Thin spaghetti | 1 pound (16 ounces) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Onion | ½ medium, finely diced |
| Artichoke hearts | 1 can (14.5 oz), drained |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz), with juice |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup (can substitute vegetable broth) |
| Nutmeg | ½ teaspoon (optional, but recommended) |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup, freshly grated |
| Fresh chives or herbs | 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional) |
Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s how to make this crowd-pleasing pasta dish in just a few simple steps:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Add artichoke hearts and tomatoes: Stir in the drained artichoke hearts and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice). Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and sprinkle in the nutmeg. Stir everything together, then add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Continue cooking gently until the sauce is heated through.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Place the drained spaghetti in a large bowl. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then pour the warm sauce over the top. Toss everything gently to combine, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or other herbs if desired.
- Serve immediately: Dish out generous helpings and enjoy right away!
Recipe Adaptations
This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas for personalizing it to your taste or what you have on hand:
- Protein options: While the original is vegetarian, adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled sausage makes it heartier.
- Vegetable swaps: Try roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese variations: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano, or stir in a dollop of ricotta or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Pasta Pointers
Choosing the right pasta shape and mastering a few simple techniques can elevate your dish:
- Pasta shape: Thin spaghetti is classic, but penne, rigatoni, or farfalle also work well with this sauce.
- Al dente: Always cook pasta until just tender, as it will continue to absorb sauce after draining.
- Starch is your friend: Reserve a little pasta water to add back if your sauce seems too thick—the starch helps sauce cling to the noodles.
- Fresh garlic and onions: Don’t skip these aromatics—they are the foundation of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish stands on its own but pairs beautifully with a few sides:
- A crisp salad with a lemony vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up extra sauce
- A glass of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Why This Dish Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its balance of acidity, richness, and simplicity. The tang of the tomatoes is tempered by the creamy sauce, and the artichoke hearts add a unique, slightly briny note. The sauce clings beautifully to the spaghetti, and the garnish of Parmesan and fresh herbs brings everything together. It’s the kind of dish that feels gourmet without the fuss.
What others are reading
FAQs
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the basic recipe is vegetarian. The chicken broth can easily be substituted with vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian or vegan.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes, especially in summer when they’re at their peak. Just add a splash of water or veggie broth to create a bit of sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Pasta dishes with cream-based sauces generally don’t freeze well—the sauce may separate when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese in place of Parmesan.
Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
- Salt your pasta water: It should taste like the ocean for best flavor.
- Don’t rinse your pasta: Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce stick.
- Use quality ingredients: Good olive oil, real butter, and fresh garlic make a difference.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt as well.
The Versatility of Pantry Pasta
The beauty of this recipe is how little you need to fuss with fresh ingredients, yet it tastes rich and complex. It’s a testament to the creativity of pantry cooking—transforming simple cans and jars into something special and satisfying.
Why The Pioneer Woman Loves This Recipe
The Pioneer Woman, one of America’s most beloved food bloggers and TV personalities, has long championed this style of cooking: easy, hearty, and family-friendly. She notes that this tomato-cream based sauce has been her favorite pasta sauce for two decades, calling it “the best of both worlds: tangy but creamy; tomato-y but decadent. I love it forever.”
Beyond the Recipe
If you’re a fan of artichokes, The Pioneer Woman encourages you to try cooking them from scratch—perhaps stuffed and roasted, or simply steamed with a lemony dipping sauce. Artichokes are a real treat, and their unique flavor shines in this pasta dish.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti with Artichoke Hearts and Tomatoes is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a celebration of pantry staples, a canvas for creativity, and a dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Make it once, and it will likely become a go-to in your weeknight rotation.
Quick Reference Table
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Serves | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 15–18 min | 6–8 | Easy |
References
- https://wishesndishes.com/spaghetti-with-artichoke-hearts-and-tomatoes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a8899/wednesday-night-dinner-spaghetti-with-artichoke-hearts-and-tomatoes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10782/spinach-artichoke-pasta/
- http://www.eatcakefordinner.net/2012/02/pioneer-womans-pantry-pasta.html
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/spaghetti-with-artichoke-hearts-and-tomatoes/?print=1
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43667830/artichoke-recipes/
- https://fillyourplate.org/recipes/spaghetti-with-artichoke-hearts-and-tomatoes/
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