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Baked Pasta with Artichokes and Scamorza

17/11/2023

Baked pasta with artichokes and scamorza is a delicious dish that combines the delicate flavor of artichokes with the stringy and distinctive taste of scamorza cheese. Here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients

  • 300 g of short pasta (penne, rigatoni, etc.)
  • 400 g of cleaned artichokes
  • 200 g of smoked scamorza cheese
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 200 ml of bechamel sauce
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley to taste

Preparation

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for about two-thirds of the time indicated on the package, so that it remains very al dente.
  2. Meanwhile, clean the artichokes by removing the toughest outer leaves, the tips, and the inner choke, then cut them into wedges and immerse them in lemon water to prevent them from blackening.
  3. In a pan, sauté the garlic with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, then add the drained artichokes and let them cook until they become tender, adding a bit of water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper and add the chopped parsley.
  4. Once cooked, remove the garlic and transfer the artichokes to a bowl. Cut the smoked scamorza cheese into cubes.
  5. Drain the pasta and pour it into a large bowl. Add the artichokes, scamorza, and half of the grated Parmesan. Pour the bechamel sauce and mix gently to combine all the ingredients.
  6. Transfer the mixture into an oven dish previously greased with oil and sprinkle the surface with the remaining Parmesan.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven at 180 °C for about 20 minutes, until the surface is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Allow the baked pasta to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Curiosity

Baked pasta is a classic of Italian cuisine, typical for family Sundays or festivities. There are multiple variants, from the richer ones with ragout and mozzarella to more delicate ones like this version with artichokes and scamorza. The smoked scamorza cheese, with its unique flavor, gives the baked pasta a touch of character that pleasantly contrasts with the sweetness of the artichokes.