Il Cucinologo
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Penne with Artichoke Sauce

17/11/2023

Penne with artichoke sauce is a simple and tasty dish, perfect for the season when artichokes are at their most tender and flavorful. Here is the recipe to prepare this delicious first course.

Ingredients for 4 people:

  • 350g penne
  • 6 artichokes
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 50ml extra-virgin olive oil
  • 100ml white wine
  • Fresh parsley to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Grated Pecorino Romano to taste (optional)

Preparation

  1. Clean the artichokes by removing the toughest outer leaves, the tips, and the inner choke. Cut them into wedges and immerse them in water with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the garlic cloves. Brown the garlic, then add the well-drained artichokes. Sauté for a few minutes over medium heat.
  3. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate. Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and cook the artichokes until tender. Add a little water during cooking if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne al dente according to the package instructions.
  5. Once cooked, drain the artichokes (reserving some cooking water) and, if you prefer a creamier sauce, set aside a few wedges and blend the rest with an immersion blender, adjusting the consistency with the cooking water. Add the whole artichokes back to the blended sauce for more texture.
  6. Drain the pasta al dente and transfer it to the skillet with the artichoke sauce. Toss for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
  7. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, grated Pecorino Romano on top.

Curiosities

The artichoke is a very versatile ingredient in the kitchen and is a food rich in health benefits. It is central to Mediterranean cuisine and, in addition to being delicious as a pasta sauce, can be enjoyed in countless other ways, such as in salads, fried, grilled, or as the main ingredient in delicious savory pies.

This recipe is a simple base, but you can enrich it with other ingredients to taste, such as adding smoked pancetta or sausage for a more intense flavor, or chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick. Enjoy!