Lemon Spaghetti With Roasted Artichokes Recipe | Healthy, Light, and Ready in 30 Minutes
Fresh, flavorful, and vegetarian – the perfect light pasta for spring and summer meals.
Today I’m sharing a delicious pasta recipe called Lemon Spaghetti with Roasted Artichokes, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors and ideal for anyone craving a healthy vegetarian pasta dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s my favorite Italian-inspired meal, and you can add it to your plant-based diet as a wholesome home-cooked dish.
Made with simple ingredients like spaghetti, lemon, garlic, and canned artichoke hearts, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost—perfect for budget-friendly dinners, clean eating meal prep, or meatless Monday ideas. The roasted artichokes add crispy, savory bites that contrast beautifully with the creamy lemon-garlic sauce, making every forkful irresistibly good. Whenever I think of my recipe, I can say, Yes, this is the meal I want to make tonight. It’s fresh, fast, healthy, and 100% satisfying. So grab your favorite pasta, open a jar of artichoke hearts, and let’s make a flavor-packed lemon spaghetti that’ll have your whole table asking for seconds.
🍋 Lemon Spaghetti With Roasted Artichokes Recipe
This Lemon Spaghetti with Roasted Artichokes is a light, delicious, and flavorful pasta dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep, or an awesome lunch. With bright citrus, savory garlic, and crunchy roasted artichokes, this is a quick vegetarian pasta recipe that feels delicious yet healthy. Perfect for anyone following the Mediterranean diet, plant-based meal plans, and looking for an easy lemon pasta recipe in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Lemon Spaghetti:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti (gluten-free if desired)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (~3 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For the Roasted Artichokes:
- 1 (14 oz) can of artichoke hearts, drained and halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Roast the Artichokes:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a baking sheet, toss artichoke hearts with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
3. Make the Lemon Sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn!).
- Stir in lemon zest and juice. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Combine Everything:
- Toss drained pasta with lemon sauce and reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and roasted artichokes.
- Mix well and top with chopped parsley.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot with extra lemon zest and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Drizzle with a little extra olive oil for richness.
Notes
- High Protein Tip: Add grilled chicken or white beans for a protein boost.
- Make it Vegan: Use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
- Low Carb Option: Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Flavor Boost: Add capers, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 375Total Fat: 15gCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 6gProtein: 10g
What Makes This Lemon Spaghetti with Roasted Artichokes So Special?
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Bright Lemon Flavor Meets Mediterranean Goodness: This pasta recipe blends zesty lemon juice, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil for a refreshing, clean, and light flavor profile. Perfect for the Mediterranean diet lifestyle.
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Garlic-Infused Sauce Without Cream: The lemon-garlic emulsion with reserved pasta water makes this dish creamy and satisfying — without needing heavy cream or butter. Great for low calorie pasta dinners and heart-healthy recipes.
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Crispy Roasted Artichokes Add Texture & Fiber: Roasting canned artichokes creates an irresistible golden crunch, making this dish stand out. It’s one of the best vegetarian dinner ideas that’s also gut-friendly and nutrient-dense.
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Quick & Easy – Just 30 Minutes! This is a perfect weeknight dinner recipe that saves time without compromising flavor. Ideal for busy professionals, moms, or students who want quick healthy meals on a budget.
Suggested: Cold Summer Soup Recipes
🛒 Ingredients for Lemon Spaghetti with Roasted Artichokes
Below are the exact ingredients you’ll need to create this light, healthy, and restaurant-style lemon garlic spaghetti.
🍝 For the Lemon Spaghetti:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or gluten-free pasta (whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (heart-healthy fat, Mediterranean staple)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (immune-boosting)
- Zest of 1 organic lemon (for flavor depth)
- Juice of 1 lemon (~3 tbsp) – fresh lemon juice works best
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan cheese alternative)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
🌿 For the Roasted Artichokes:
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained, halved (in brine or water preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Suggested: Potato Salad Recipes
👩🍳 How to Make Lemon Spaghetti with Roasted Artichokes (Step-by-Step with Photos)
This Lemon Spaghetti with Roasted Artichokes is a quick and delicious vegetarian pasta recipe ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, healthy meal prep, or a light Mediterranean-inspired lunch. Follow this easy step-by-step guide with photos to get a bright, zesty, and satisfying dinner on the table — no cream, no fuss!
🔪 Step 1: Roast the Artichokes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drain and halve one can of artichoke hearts (or use fresh if you prefer). Spread them on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Roast for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges. These add texture and bold flavor — a game-changer for this pasta.
🍝 Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of spaghetti (or gluten-free pasta). Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water — this helps emulsify the sauce and gives a silky finish without any cream.
🧄 Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the zest and juice of one lemon. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to intensify the flavor. This healthy lemon pasta sauce is light, citrusy, and full of depth — a great alternative to heavy cream sauces.
🥗 Step 4: Combine, Toss & Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything to coat evenly. Mix in the roasted artichokes and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option). Finish with fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some gentle heat.
📌 Final Tips for the Perfect Lemon Spaghetti
- Use real lemon juice for the best flavor — not bottled.
- Don’t skip the zest — it gives the dish a bright citrus aroma.
- Save your pasta water – this is your secret creamy agent!
- Roast the artichokes until crisp – no soggy vegetables here.
Suggested: Creamy Vodka Sauce Recipe
🍴 Serving Suggestions for Lemon Spaghetti with Roasted Artichokes
Wondering what to serve with lemon spaghetti? This zesty, Mediterranean-inspired pasta is incredibly versatile and pairs well with both light and hearty dishes.
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli – A nutrient-dense, fiber-rich side dish that complements the lemony tang of your spaghetti.
- Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze – Light, refreshing, and in perfect harmony with citrus flavors. This is a go-to for vegetarian Mediterranean dinners.
- Crusty Artisan Bread or Garlic Breadsticks – Ideal for soaking up the lemon garlic sauce. Use whole-grain options for a high-fiber pasta meal.
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken – If you’re not vegetarian, add lean protein with this pairing. Great for high protein low carb dinner ideas.
- White Wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) – A classic drink pairing that enhances citrus and roasted notes.
- Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest – Double the citrus, double the flavor. Packed with antioxidants and complements the spaghetti beautifully.
- Greek Chickpea Salad – Add more plant-based protein and crunch with this vibrant Mediterranean classic.
When pairing with sides, balance the brightness of lemon with roasted, creamy, or umami-rich flavors to create a full-bodied dining experience.
🔥 Popular Combinations for Meal Planning & Meal Prep:
- Lemon Spaghetti + Roasted Veggies + Grilled Tofu – A complete vegan dinner idea.
- Lemon Spaghetti + Pan-Seared Salmon + Arugula Salad – A perfect pescatarian dinner plan.
- Lemon Spaghetti + Baked Falafel + Hummus Platter – A high-protein vegetarian plate.
These lemon pasta serving suggestions are crafted to help you not only create balance in your meals but also impress your guests or satisfy your family.
Related: High Protein Salad Bowls
Variations & Substitutions
Whether you’re following a plant-based lifestyle, gluten-free diet, or low-carb meal plan, this Lemon Spaghetti With Roasted Artichokes recipe can easily be customized to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
🌱 Vegan Lemon Pasta
Swap the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese. Use plant-based pasta and olive oil for a fully dairy-free lemon spaghetti that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with umami.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option
Choose gluten-free pasta like brown rice, chickpea, or quinoa spaghetti. It pairs perfectly with lemon sauce and keeps the dish light, ideal for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
💪 High-Protein Additions
Boost your pasta with grilled chicken breast, white beans, lentils, or even tofu. This turns it into a high-protein lemon spaghetti recipe perfect for muscle recovery and fitness meals.
🥒 Low Carb or Keto-Friendly
Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. Keep the roasted artichokes and lemon sauce for a keto pasta recipe under 10g net carbs.
🌊 Mediterranean Twist
Top with Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled eggplant to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile. These ingredients align with the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.
💸 Budget-Friendly Swap
Use canned artichokes and pantry staples like garlic, dried herbs, and lemon juice concentrate to create a cheap yet gourmet pasta dinner under $5 per serving.
Add a splash of pasta water when combining everything to create a light, silky lemon sauce without using any cream. Perfect for health-conscious eaters and low calorie pasta recipes lovers!
Related: 300 Calorie Lunch Ideas
🧠 Health Benefits of Lemon Spaghetti with Roasted Artichokes
This healthy lemon spaghetti recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that support digestion, heart health, immunity, and weight management. Below are the science-backed health benefits of each core ingredient—so you can eat smart while loving every bite. 🍋🌿
🍋 Lemon
- Rich in Vitamin C to boost your immune system.
- Natural detoxifier and aids healthy digestion.
- High in antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
- Helps in fat breakdown and metabolism support.
🌱 Artichokes
- Loaded with fiber for better gut health and satiety.
- Supports liver detox and bile production.
- Contains folate, magnesium, and potassium.
- Promotes cholesterol balance and heart health.
🫒 Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Contains polyphenols that fight oxidative stress.
- Improves brain function and supports anti-inflammatory diets.
- Essential in plant-based high fat low carb recipes.
🍝 Spaghetti (Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free)
- Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
- Whole wheat versions offer added fiber and B vitamins.
- Great base for low-fat vegetarian meals.
- Pairs well with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Suggested: Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Recipe
📚 Frequently Asked Questions
🍋 Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned or jarred ones?
🥗 Is this lemon spaghetti healthy for weight loss?
🌿 Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
🧄 How do I make the lemon garlic sauce more creamy without cream?
🍝 What type of pasta is best for this lemon spaghetti recipe?
🥡 How do I store leftovers and reheat without losing flavor?
📦 Can I meal prep this recipe for the week?
💡 What are some protein-rich additions to this pasta?
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