Pasta al Limone, or “lemon pasta,” is a revered classic in Italian cuisine, a dish celebrated for its vibrant flavors and deceptive simplicity. While countless variations exist, our particular rendition elevates this beloved staple by introducing rich, creamy ricotta cheese. This delightful Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce with Artichokes pasta dish offers a harmonious blend of bright, gentle lemon notes with a wonderfully satisfying and luxurious creaminess. The choice of casarecce pasta is intentional; its unique, twisted shape is perfectly designed to capture every drop of the luscious sauce, ensuring a burst of flavor with each bite. Furthermore, we’ve opted for tender artichoke hearts, replacing traditional meats or other proteins, to infuse the dish with an extra layer of earthy, savory goodness that artichoke enthusiasts will adore. The result is an incredibly versatile and pleasing meal, ideal for any season, but particularly enchanting during the fresh vibrancy of spring and the warm relaxation of summer.

For those who can’t get enough of zesty lemon pasta recipes, be sure to explore our other tantalizing creations. Discover the exquisite taste of our Shrimp Orecchiette with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce for a seafood-infused delight, or indulge in the opulent Lobster Ravioli with Lemon Cream Sauce.
The Enduring Charm of Pasta al Limone: A Culinary Journey
Pasta al Limone, often simply referred to as spaghetti al limone, embodies the essence of Italian culinary philosophy: creating extraordinary flavor from minimal, high-quality ingredients. Historically, this classic dish originated as a humble yet elegant meal, relying primarily on fresh lemons, rich butter, robust olive oil, and perfectly cooked pasta, often finished with a sprinkle of local seasoning or black pepper. Its simplicity allowed the bright, aromatic essence of lemon to truly shine. As gastronomic trends evolved and regional palates diversified, so too did the interpretations of this iconic pasta dish.
Across Italy, especially along the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast where the most exquisite lemons thrive in abundance, Pasta al Limone remains a beloved staple. In these regions, the dish is often found in its most traditional form, celebrating the pure, unadulterated flavor of its core components. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter delightful variations that incorporate luxurious cream or a generous dusting of fine Parmesan cheese, depending on the specific culinary traditions of the area. This adaptability has allowed Pasta al Limone to evolve while retaining its fundamental character, making it a testament to the versatility of Italian cooking.
Today, the variations are truly boundless. You might find versions enhanced with various vegetables, savory tuna, or, as we’ve done in this recipe, the luscious addition of ricotta cheese. Regardless of the chosen additions, the lemon remains the star, an indispensable ingredient that provides that unmistakable bright, refreshing foundation. This dish is a celebration of that beautiful pairing – the tangy zest and juice of lemon harmonizing with comforting pasta. We invite you to savor every forkful of this incredibly satisfying and lemony pasta creation!
Why Our Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce Will Become Your New Favorite
This recipe for Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce with Artichokes is designed to capture your heart and palate. Here’s why this dish stands out and why you’ll find yourself making it again and again:
- A Symphony of Bright and Creamy Flavors: Prepare for an unparalleled taste experience where the invigorating zest and juice of fresh lemons are perfectly balanced by the luxurious, velvety texture of whipped ricotta cheese. This creates a sauce that is both light and deeply satisfying, offering a delightful contrast that dances on your taste buds.
- Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish is surprisingly easy to make. Featuring readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an ideal choice for a weeknight meal or when you desire something impressive without the culinary stress. You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor achieved with minimal fuss.
- Hearty Artichoke Goodness: We’ve incorporated tender artichoke hearts, which provide a wonderful, substantial texture and an earthy counterpoint to the bright lemon. They are flavorful without being overwhelming, perfectly complementing the citrus notes and adding a touch of sophisticated flair to the pasta.
- Briny Burst from Capers: A subtle yet impactful addition, capers introduce a delightful briny pop that cuts through the richness of the ricotta and enhances the artichoke’s natural taste. Their unique tanginess adds another layer of complexity, making each bite more intriguing.
- Versatility for Every Occasion: This pasta dish is incredibly adaptable. While it shines as a refreshing option for spring and summer dining, its comforting creaminess makes it equally suitable for cooler months. It’s truly a dish for all seasons and any gathering.
Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Ricotta Pasta Masterpiece
Crafting this vibrant and creamy lemon ricotta pasta requires a selection of fresh, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the dish’s incredible flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Artichoke Hearts: For convenience and consistent results, we recommend using drained, canned artichoke hearts packed in water. These are easily elevated by a quick pan-fry with a splash of wine, enhancing their natural sweetness and texture.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: The fundamental seasonings to bring out the best in every component. Salt is also essential for seasoning the pasta water, ensuring a flavorful base.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is used to gently sauté the artichoke hearts, providing a smooth fat base and contributing to the dish’s authentic Mediterranean character.
- Dry White Wine: A small amount of dry white wine adds a sophisticated depth and aromatic complexity to the artichokes, creating an extra dimension of flavor as it simmers and evaporates.
- Capers: These small, briny flower buds are a crucial addition, offering a delightful tangy and salty contrast that beautifully complements the artichokes and the lemon-infused sauce.
- Ricotta Cheese: Fresh ricotta is the cornerstone of our creamy sauce. Whipped to a smooth, airy consistency, it forms a luscious base that envelops the pasta in rich, comforting goodness.
- Lemon Zest: The true essence of lemon lies in its zest. This provides an intense, aromatic burst of citrus flavor to the ricotta sauce, and a little extra is reserved for a vibrant garnish.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Complementing the zest, fresh lemon juice adds essential brightness and acidity to the sauce, cutting through the richness of the ricotta and ensuring a balanced, zesty finish.
- White Pepper: A touch of white pepper is preferred in this dish to maintain the light, creamy color of the sauce while still adding a subtle hint of warmth and depth. Black pepper can certainly be used if white pepper is unavailable.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg might seem unexpected, but it’s a classic Italian secret for enhancing creamy sauces. It adds a warm, subtle, almost undetectable complexity that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Sugar: Just a very small amount of sugar helps to gracefully balance the natural acidity of the lemon, ensuring the sauce isn’t overly tart but perfectly harmonious.
- Pasta: We’ve chosen casarecce pasta for its unique, rolled shape, which is excellent at trapping and holding the creamy sauce. However, feel free to use any other dry pasta shape you enjoy, whether it’s a long strand like spaghetti or linguine, or a tubular shape like penne or rigatoni. For an extra special touch, consider making fresh pasta from scratch!
- Fresh Basil: Used primarily as a garnish, fresh basil leaves provide a fragrant, herbaceous aroma and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the bright lemon. Other fresh herbs such as oregano or parsley would also be excellent choices.
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan cheese) is essential for serving, adding a salty, umami finish and a delightful texture to the plated pasta.
Refer to the detailed recipe card below for precise quantities and measurements.
Flexible Substitutions for Your Lemon Ricotta Pasta
One of the beauties of Italian cooking is its adaptability. This lemon pasta recipe is wonderfully forgiving, allowing for several common substitutions to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Pasta: While casarecce is a fantastic choice, almost any pasta shape will work beautifully. Feel free to use long pastas like spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini, which are excellent for twirling with creamy sauces. Alternatively, opt for tubular shapes such as penne, ziti, or rigatoni, which effectively capture and hold the sauce within their crevices. The most important rule is to use a pasta you love!
- Ricotta: If you’re seeking a different creamy texture, heavy cream can be used to create a more traditional cream sauce. For a lighter, more intensely lemony dish, you could even omit the ricotta entirely, focusing on a brighter, oil-based lemon sauce.
- Artichoke Hearts: If you prefer to use fresh artichokes, ensure they are properly cleaned, trimmed, and cooked until tender before adding them to the dish. Alternatively, you can swap them out for another vegetable of your choice – sliced zucchini, sautéed mushrooms, or blanched asparagus spears would all be delicious additions. For a simpler dish, the artichokes can also be omitted completely.
- Capers: If capers are not to your taste, a small amount of finely chopped preserved lemon or even finely diced olives could offer a similar salty, tangy burst of flavor, though the overall profile would shift slightly.
- Wine: If you prefer not to cook with wine, a good quality vegetable broth or chicken broth can be used to deglaze the pan and add flavor to the artichokes.

Crafting Your Creamy Lemon Ricotta Casarecce: A Simple Guide
Creating this flavorful and deeply satisfying pasta dish is a remarkably straightforward process, designed to yield maximum taste with minimal effort. The preparation begins with the artichokes, which are first drained from their can and carefully dried to ensure they achieve a lovely golden-brown sear. A quick pan-fry in a touch of extra virgin olive oil, followed by a deglazing with dry white wine, infuses them with rich, complex flavors. Meanwhile, the velvety lemon ricotta sauce comes together in mere moments in a food processor, transforming simple ingredients into a luscious, smooth cream.
Once both components are ready, the magic happens in a single large pan. The prepared artichokes and the creamy sauce are brought together before the perfectly al dente pasta is introduced. Everything is gently tossed to ensure every strand of casarecce is beautifully coated in the bright, zesty, and undeniably rich sauce. The result is an exquisite lemony, creamy pasta dish that is not only an easy dinner solution but also a truly delightful culinary experience, perfect for any night of the week.
Essential Tools for This Simple Dish
You won’t need an elaborate kitchen setup to create this delicious pasta. Here’s a list of the key equipment that will make the process smooth and efficient:
- Food Processor: Indispensable for whipping the ricotta cheese into a light, airy, and creamy consistency, and for blending all the sauce ingredients until perfectly smooth.
- Large Pot: Essential for boiling the pasta in a generous amount of salted water, allowing it to cook evenly to that perfect al dente texture.
- Large Pan or Skillet: A versatile pan will be used first to pan-fry the artichokes and infuse them with flavor, and then to gently heat and combine the creamy sauce with the cooked pasta. A wide, shallow pan works best for tossing.
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce:
- Prepare the Artichoke Hearts: Begin by removing the artichoke hearts from the can and draining them thoroughly. Halve each artichoke heart and place them cut-side down on several layers of paper towels. Allow them to sit for about 5 minutes to absorb excess moisture. Transfer the dried artichoke halves to a plate and season both sides generously with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Pan-Fry the Artichoke Hearts: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned artichokes, cut-side down, in a single layer. Cook for approximately 1 minute, or until they begin to turn a beautiful golden brown. Reduce the heat to medium, then carefully pour in ¼ cup of dry white wine. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until almost all the wine has evaporated and the artichokes are infused with its flavor. Remove the artichokes from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel and return it to the stovetop.
- Prepare the Capers: Drain the capers from their brine. Rinse them briefly under cold running water to remove some of the intense saltiness, but avoid soaking them, as this can diminish their flavor. Set the rinsed capers aside.
- Assemble the Creamy Ricotta Sauce: In the bowl of a food processor, combine 1½ cups of ricotta cheese, the zest of two lemons, the juice of one lemon, the remaining 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of white pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Process the mixture until the ricotta is completely creamy and smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice to ensure everything is well combined. Transfer this whipped ricotta cream mixture into the clean large pan on the stovetop.
- Cook the Pasta and Combine with Sauce: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. A good rule of thumb is to add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt per 6-8 quarts of water, making it taste like the sea. Add the 12 ounces of dried casarecce pasta and cook according to package directions until it is perfectly al dente – tender with a slight bite. Approximately halfway through the pasta’s cooking time, begin gently heating the ricotta sauce in the large pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce is hot but not actively bubbling. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent scorching. Once the pasta is cooked, use tongs to transfer it directly from the pot to the pan with the hot sauce, along with the reserved pan-fried artichokes. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta and artichokes are beautifully coated in the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add a small amount of the starchy pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the pasta, artichokes, and sauce are well combined, portion the dish into 4 individual plates or bowls. Serve immediately, garnishing each plate with fresh small basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of lemon zest for an aromatic finish. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also be added for extra flavor.

Creative Variations to Explore
This Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce recipe is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Here are a few exciting ways you can customize this dish to suit your taste or ingredients on hand:
- Amplify the Lemon Flavor: For true lemon lovers, consider increasing the amount of lemon zest and juice in the sauce while slightly reducing the ricotta. This will yield an even brighter, more tart, and intensely lemony pasta experience that truly sings.
- Add a Protein Boost: If you desire a more substantial meal, incorporating a protein is a wonderful option. Thinly sliced grilled or pan-sautéed boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a fantastic choice, adding lean protein without overpowering the delicate lemon flavor. Alternatively, quickly sautéed shrimp would make a superb addition, lending a delightful seafood element that pairs beautifully with lemon and capers.
- Explore Other Vegetables: Beyond artichokes, this dish welcomes a variety of vegetables. Try adding blanched asparagus spears for a touch of spring, sautéed spinach or Swiss chard for a hint of green, or even roasted cherry tomatoes for bursts of juicy sweetness.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce can provide a wonderful kick that complements the lemon and ricotta.
- Different Cheeses: While ricotta is central to this recipe, a blend of mascarpone and a smaller amount of cream cheese could offer a different creamy texture, or even a very mild goat cheese could introduce a tangy twist.
Storing and Reheating Your Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the deliciousness of this lemon pasta for days to come. Here’s how to handle your leftovers:
- How to store leftover lemon pasta: Any leftover lemon ricotta pasta should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will maintain its freshness and flavor for up to 5 days.
- How to reheat lemon pasta: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan over low heat on the stovetop. The sauce may thicken slightly in the refrigerator, so it’s advisable to add a splash of water, milk, or even a little reserved pasta cooking water as you reheat, stirring until the sauce loosens up and the pasta is warmed through. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.
- Can you freeze leftover lemon pasta? Due to the inclusion of ricotta cheese, which tends to change texture significantly upon freezing and thawing, it is generally not advisable to freeze this dish. The sauce can break down and become grainy or watery, resulting in an undesirable texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator.
Top Culinary Tip
A smart trick to enhance the balance of flavors in this dish is to briefly rinse the capers after draining them from their brine. This simple step helps to reduce their intense saltiness without completely sacrificing their distinctive briny flavor. If you prefer a stronger, more pronounced briny taste, you can skip the rinse, but remember to be mindful of any additional salt you add to the dish to avoid over-seasoning.
Troubleshooting Common Pasta Challenges
This Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce recipe is designed to be quite user-friendly, so you should encounter very few issues during preparation. The most critical element to master for any pasta dish, and especially this one, is the cooking of the pasta itself. The golden rule of Italian cooking applies here: always aim for al dente!
- Overcooked Pasta: The most common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Overcooked pasta becomes soft, mushy, and loses its desirable texture, failing to properly absorb and carry the sauce. Always follow the package directions carefully, and for best results, taste a piece of pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to ensure it has that perfect slight bite.
- Sauce Too Thick: If your ricotta sauce thickens too much, either after refrigeration or during the final combining step, simply add a tablespoon at a time of the reserved starchy pasta cooking water. The starch in the water will help emulsify and thin out the sauce to a silky consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Sauce Not Creamy Enough: Ensure your ricotta is whipped thoroughly in the food processor until it’s perfectly smooth. Using fresh, high-quality ricotta also makes a difference.
Perfect Pairings for Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce
This delightful Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s hearty and flavorful enough to stand alone as a complete main course, requiring very little else to make a satisfying meal. However, if you wish to round out your dining experience, a light side salad is always an excellent idea. We highly recommend pairing it with our Fresh Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette (5-minute Salad Dressing) for a refreshing accompaniment.
Alternatively, this exquisite pasta can serve as a fantastic side dish to complement a more substantial protein. Consider serving it alongside our Crispy Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod Recipe for a delicate seafood pairing, or with our Crunchy Chicken with White Wine Lemon Butter Sauce for a harmonious poultry option. Beyond proteins, you can also enhance the meal with an additional vegetable side. Think simply prepared roasted asparagus, tender broccolini sautéed with garlic, or fresh, vibrant sautéed spinach to complete your meal.
Ideal Wine Pairings for Pasta al Limone
When it comes to pairing wine with this bright, creamy, and herbaceous Pasta al Limone, white wines are undoubtedly the perfect match. Their crisp acidity and refreshing character beautifully complement the lemon, ricotta, and artichoke elements in this dish. We have three particular Italian white wines that we wholeheartedly recommend for an impeccable pairing experience:
- Vermentino: Hailing from regions like Sardinia and Liguria, Vermentino offers bright citrus notes, a hint of salinity, and often a pleasant almond finish. Its vibrant acidity and aromatic profile make it an excellent partner for the lemon and capers in the pasta, while its underlying richness can handle the creamy ricotta.
- Verdicchio: From the Marche region, Verdicchio is known for its distinctive notes of green apple, almond, and a refreshing minerality. It has a beautiful texture and a zesty finish that will cut through the richness of the sauce and highlight the artichoke’s flavor, providing a harmonious balance.
- Italian Sauvignon Blancs: While France is famous for Sauvignon Blanc, Italy also produces fantastic versions, particularly from regions like Alto Adige and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. These often feature elegant herbal notes, lively acidity, and citrus undertones that echo the flavors of the dish, creating a cohesive and delightful pairing.
Beyond Italian shores, other Sauvignon Blancs are also superb choices. Consider a crisp and elegant Pouilly-Fumé or a mineral-driven Sancerre from France’s Loire Valley. Both offer the vibrant acidity and nuanced flavors needed to complement the complexity of this lemony, creamy pasta dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta al Limone
Here are some common questions about Pasta al Limone and our unique Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce recipe:
In Italian, “al limone” translates directly to “with lemon.” Therefore, “Pasta al Limone” simply means “lemon pasta,” indicating a dish where lemon is a primary and defining flavor.
Pasta al Limone is a versatile lemon pasta dish with many delicious variations! At its heart, the most basic versions include pasta, fresh lemon (juice and zest), olive oil or butter, and often Parmesan cheese. Our particular recipe, Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce with Artichokes, takes a delightful creamy approach, using rich ricotta cheese as the luxurious base for its lemon sauce, along with capers and artichoke hearts for added texture and flavor.
For Pasta al Limone, especially our creamy lemon ricotta and artichoke version, white wine is our absolute preferred beverage pairing. The bright acidity and crispness of white wines beautifully complement the zesty lemon and rich sauce. Our top recommendations include Italian varietals like Vermentino and Verdicchio, known for their citrus and mineral notes. Sauvignon Blanc, whether from Italy or classic French regions like Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre, also makes an excellent choice due to its vibrant, herbaceous character.
Absolutely! To make this Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce gluten-free, simply substitute the regular casarecce pasta with your favorite high-quality gluten-free pasta. Follow the cooking instructions on your gluten-free pasta package, as cooking times can vary. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Casarecce pasta, with its short, twisted, and rolled-up shape, is exceptional at capturing and holding creamy sauces. The curves and crevices of the pasta strands act like tiny scoops, ensuring that every forkful delivers a generous amount of the luscious lemon ricotta sauce, along with the tender artichoke pieces and briny capers, for a perfectly balanced bite.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this creamy lemon pasta, you’ll surely appreciate these other delightful recipes from our collection:
- Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe
- Spicy and Creamy Penne alla Vodka with Chicken
- Spring Gnocchi with Sugar Snap Peas and Dill Cream Sauce
- Blackened Chicken and Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo
Main Course Pairings for Pasta al Limone
While this lemon pasta can certainly be a stand-alone star, it also makes a fantastic side dish for a variety of meat, poultry, or fish main courses. Here are some of our favorite complementary pairings:
- Cheesy Pistachio Pesto Chicken with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- Braised Veal Shanks with Gremolata (Ossobuco Recipe)
- Chicken with Mushroom Marsala Sauce (Pollo al Marsala)
- Bone-In Veal Milanese Recipe (Cotoletta alla Milanese)
📖 Lemon Ricotta Caper Casarecce with Artichokes (Pasta al Limone) Recipe

A Bright and Creamy Italian Delight
Enjoy the bright and vibrant flavors of this super creamy lemon ricotta caper casarecce pasta recipe with artichoke hearts!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4
Calories: 636 kcal
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Large pan
Ingredients
- 1 can artichoke hearts (14-oz) packed in water
- 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 Tablespoon capers, in brine
- 1 ½ cups (12 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 Lemons, zested
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- Pinch nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 12 ounces dried Casarecce (or other long or short tubed pasta)
- Basil leaves, small, for garnish
- Lemon zest, extra for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Artichoke Hearts: Remove the artichokes from the can and drain thoroughly. Halve each artichoke heart and place them cut-side down on paper towels for 5 minutes to dry. Transfer to a plate and season both sides with ½ teaspoon of the kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Pan-Fry the Artichoke Hearts: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pan. Add the artichokes cut-side down. Cook for about 1 minute, or until they just start browning. Reduce the heat to medium and add ¼ cup of dry white wine, cooking until almost all the wine has evaporated. Remove the artichokes to a plate and set aside. Wipe the pan clean and place it back on the stovetop.
- Prepare the Capers: Drain the capers from their brine. Rinse them briefly with cold water to reduce some of the brine’s intensity, but do not soak. Set aside.
- Assemble the Sauce: In a food processor, combine 1½ cups of ricotta, the zest of two lemons, the juice of one lemon, the remaining 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of white pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Process until the ricotta is creamy and smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Transfer this whipped ricotta cream mixture into the large pan on the stovetop.
- Cook the Pasta and Combine: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding kosher salt generously (about 2 tablespoons per 6-8 quarts) until the water tastes like the sea. Add the 12 ounces of dried casarecce pasta and cook to al dente according to package directions. About halfway through the pasta’s cooking, begin heating the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it is hot but not bubbling. Once the pasta is done, transfer it directly from the pot to the pan with the sauce, along with the reserved artichokes. Stir thoroughly to combine. If the sauce appears too thick, add a little of the starchy pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Combine the pasta and artichokes well with the sauce, then place portions in 4 individual plates or bowls. Serve immediately with small fresh basil leaves and extra lemon zest on top.
Nutrition
Calories: 636kcal
Carbohydrates: 74g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 47mg
Sodium: 1969mg
Potassium: 313mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 1409IU
Vitamin C: 28mg
Calcium: 239mg
Iron: 2mg
Keyword: artichokes, capers, easy pasta, lemon, quick and easy, ricotta
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Important Food Safety Guidelines
Ensuring food safety is paramount when cooking any dish. Please keep the following guidelines in mind to maintain a safe and healthy kitchen environment:
- Temperature Control: Never leave cooked food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods. Promptly refrigerate leftovers to prevent bacterial growth.
- Constant Supervision: Always remain attentive and never leave cooking food unattended, especially when using high heat or frying.
- Oil Selection: When cooking, utilize oils with a high smoking point to avoid the formation of harmful compounds and maintain the quality of your food.
- Kitchen Ventilation: Ensure you have good ventilation in your kitchen, particularly when using a gas stove, to disperse cooking fumes and maintain air quality.
For more comprehensive information and detailed recommendations on safe food handling and preparation, please refer to the official guidelines at USDA.gov.
