Tuscan Artichoke Pasta Recipes

CREAMY ARTICHOKE PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions for al dente.
• Meanwhile, blend the drained artichoke hearts, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large high-sided skillet or braiser over medium heat. Add the roasted red peppers, olives, capers and red pepper flakes and sauté until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and a drizzle of oil if needed. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is slightly softened but not brown, about 1 minute. Stir in the blended artichoke hearts, then reduce the heat to low.
• When the pasta is ready, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the artichoke sauce. Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss together until the sauce and water become a cohesive creamy mixture, add more pasta water as needed. Turn off the heat. Add the basil and parsley, toss to combine and serve.

ARTICHOKE & LEMON PASTA

Steps:

• Fill a 6-qt. stockpot three-fourths full with water; add 2 teaspoons salt and bring to a boil. Add asparagus; cook, uncovered, 1-2 minutes or just until crisp-tender. Remove asparagus and immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry., In same pot of water, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Return pasta to pot., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add artichoke hearts; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add to pasta., Add asparagus, goat cheese, parsley, lemon peel, lemon juice and the remaining salt and oil; toss to combine, adding enough reserved pasta water to coat. Heat through. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

PASTA WITH ARTICHOKES AND PANCETTA

Steps:

• Squeeze one lemon half into a large bowl of cold water. Pluck off all tough leaves from one artichoke, until you reach leaves that are pale and soft. Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, peel stem and trim base of artichoke, then dunk it in lemon water to keep it from browning. Cut off the top 1/3 of artichoke and discard. Cut artichoke in half; remove any inner purple leaves and scoop out the fuzzy choke if there is one. Thinly slice artichoke lengthwise to include some of the heart. Put slices in the lemon water and leave them there as you cut remaining artichokes.
• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil, then cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in pancetta and cook until browned and crispy, stirring occasionally, 8 to 12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate; leave fat in pan.
• Drain the artichokes, shaking them well to remove excess water. Raise heat under pan to medium-high, and stir in artichokes, leeks, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and cook until golden brown and tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and stir in vermouth, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of skillet.
• Stir in cooked pasta, pancetta, chives and parsley. If the mixture seems dry, add pasta water, a little at a time. Stir in more salt to taste, Parmesan and lemon juice to taste.
• Transfer to serving plates and top with a drizzle of oil, more black pepper, and more grated cheese.

TUSCAN ARTICHOKE PASTA

Steps:

• Cut artichoke hearts in half, if desired.
• Combine all ingredients, except cheese, and toss gently to coat pasta.
• Sprinkle cheese on top and serve either warm or room temperature, your choice.

ARTICHOKE FLORENTINE PASTA

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. In a 6-qt. Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook and stir 30 seconds. Add spinach; cook and stir just until wilted, 1-2 minutes. Remove from pot., In same pot, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, wine and seasonings; stir until smooth. Stir in artichoke hearts; heat through., Drain pasta; add to sauce, tossing to coat. Stir in spinach mixture. Transfer to a serving dish; sprinkle with bread crumbs. Serve immediately.