Lemon Artichoke Pasta

Name: Lemon Artichoke Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 12-16 ounces spaghetti ((1 box, use whole grain for added fiber))); drizzle olive oil; 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 package frozen artichoke hearts ((thawed)); 1 cup frozen corn ((no need to thaw)); 1 cup frozen edamame ((no need to thaw)); 1 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme ((or more, to taste))

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This lemon artichoke pasta is chock-full of corn and edamame, which balance out the starch of the noodles with some hearty nutrition!

Front view of spaghetti, corn, artichoke on a plate garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme. — A sprig of fresh thyme creates a beautiful presentation for this Lemon Artichoke Pasta.

Update Notes: This post was originally published in July 2013, but was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in September 2020.

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👩🏻‍🍳 Why You'll Love This Recipe
🥘 Ingredients Needed
🔪 Instructions
👪 FAQs
📖 Variations
🥗 Suggested Side Dishes
🍝 Additional Pasta Recipes
📋 Recipe Card
💬 Reviews and Comments

👩🏻‍🍳 Why You'll Love This Recipe

Do your kids LOVE pasta like mine do? My boys are maybe even a bit overly fond of it! So I am constantly on the lookout for creative things to do with spaghetti. And not just creative, but healthy, too! Did you know that artichoke hearts are known for being high in fiber, and that you can also eat the leaves of the artichoke plant?

This recipe utilizes the convenience of frozen artichoke hearts, which makes it perfect for a quick weeknight meal if you're in a rush. The corn and edamame balance out the starchiness and carbs from the pasta. Plus, their flavors are relatively mild, which makes this lemon artichoke pasta the perfect middle ground for your picky eaters who can't get enough noodles!

(Just make sure they're not picking around the veggies to eat just the pasta!)

🥘 Ingredients Needed

spaghetti - my choice of pasta for this dish, and a favorite for my family!
minced garlic - gives your lemon artichoke pasta a nice aromatic flavor.
frozen artichoke hearts - delicious, convenient, and good for you.
corn and edamame - provides this dish some extra nutritional value.
salt and thyme - help to pull all of the flavors together.
lemon juice - pairs great with the garlic and artichoke and adds just a bit of acidity.

🔪 Instructions

6 photos demonstrating the process of making Lemon Artichoke Pasta. — Lemon Artichoke Pasta comes together quickly in 6 easy steps!

Cook your spaghetti according to the directions on the box, then drain and return to the pot.
In the meantime, heat some olive oil in a large skillet and brown the garlic.
Add the artichoke hearts and cook until they're also brown.
Stir in the corn and edamame, allowing them to thaw through.
Add your lemon juice, salt, and thyme, then continue to cook the vegetable mixture until it's heated through.
Mix the artichoke and vegetable blend into the pasta, stir to combine, and serve!

👪 FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served right out of the skillet (and only takes 15 minutes to cook!), you could definitely make it ahead of time and then reheat when it comes time to serve.

How long can I store my leftover lemon artichoke pasta?

Allow your leftovers to cool, then transfer to a container safe for storing (airtight plastic or a ziploc bag work well). In the fridge, your past should be good for at least 3-4 days. In the freezer, it'll be good for 3 months or so.

What's the best way to reheat my leftovers?

If you're in a bit of a rush, the microwave works fine to reheat pasta. Transfer your pasta to a microwave-safe plate and heat for about a minute. If it's not hot enough, keep microwaving in 30-second increments until it's your desired temperature.

If you don't mind taking a little bit of extra time, you could also reheat this pasta in a skillet. Cook over medium heat until the pasta is heated through, and then serve.

From frozen, it's best to let the pasta thaw in the fridge for a few hours first, or overnight if you can! Then follow either of the methods above.

Side view of the recipe highlighting the artichoke cooked in a lemon sauce with a sprig of thyme on the side. — Nutritious and delicious, this dish is perfect for any meal from the ordinary weeknight dinner to holiday meals or other special occasions!

📖 Variations

Feel free to use whatever kind of pasta you prefer. Rotini and farfalle are both great options, or you can use whatever kind of pasta might be sitting around in your pantry!
If you have leftovers, this lemon artichoke pasta would be great as a cold side dish with your lunch the next day!
Because the flavors in this dish are so mild, you could mix in any number of additional vegetables if you'd like. Green beans, pieces of bell pepper, asparagus, or mushrooms would be delicious!
The same goes for seasonings; if you want a little bit more of a kick, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or chili powder. Or if you like your dish a little bit more on the salty side, you could add some onion powder or smoked paprika.

🥗 Suggested Side Dishes

Serve this lemon artichoke pasta with this Cornbread Casserole or any one of these other side dishes for the perfect dinner!

Easy Drop Biscuit Recipe

You must try these super easy drop biscuits! Your family will love these mouth-watering biscuits made with no yeast or butter, and with no rolling or cutting required. Just mix a few basic ingredients, drop on a baking sheet or muffin tin, and enjoy in less than 20 minutes!

Overhead view of biscuits in a bowl wrapped in a striped towel with a wooden spoon.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

My kids happily ate these roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic, and then asked for seconds! 'Nuff said!

Side shot of garlic roasted Brussel sprouts on a blue and grey plate on a wooden table.

Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Fluffy and tender, you’re going to LOVE making baked potatoes in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker. No foil needed and in less than half the time than oven baked!

Apple Walnut Salad

If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, you'll love this salad! Filled with flavor and crunch it's topped with a delicious homemade vinaigrette. It works as a main dish or side!

Lemon Pepper Asparagus | Gimme Some Oven

You will love this Lemon Pepper Asparagus recipe! It’s a quick and delicious way to prepare one of your favorite vegetables.

Spaghetti on a plate along with artichoke, corn, edamame, and lemon and thyme. — This dish is perfect for a quick main dish on a weeknight or an elegant side dish for a holiday meal!

🍝 Additional Pasta Recipes

Here are a few more more pasta dish ideas for you! Try this Easy Roasted Veggie Pasta, Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese, or one of our other delicious options.

For a more unique yet totally tasty pasta option, try my Bacon and Pumpkin Pasta dish. It's really easy to make, too!