Legume Penne with Ricotta and Artichokes

Legume Penne with Ricotta and Artichokes is a healthy and nutritious dish that is well suited to vegetarian cuisine. Here is the recipe for 4 people:

Ingredients

• 320 g of legume penne (chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc.)
• 4 fresh artichokes
• 250 g of fresh ricotta
• 1 clove of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• The juice of 1 lemon
• Chopped fresh parsley (to taste)
• Chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. Clean the artichokes by removing the toughest outer leaves, the tips, and the inner fuzz, then cut them into wedges and soak them in lemony water to prevent them from blackening.
2. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil with a clove of garlic, and if you like, a small piece of chili pepper.
3. Drain the artichokes from the water and add them to the pan, sautéing them for a few minutes. Then add a little water and cook covered for about 10-15 minutes or until they are tender, adjusting the salt.
4. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the legume penne following the cooking time indications on the package for al dente texture.
5. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with a bit of salt, pepper, and chopped parsley until you have a smooth cream.
6. Drain the pasta and save some of the cooking water. Add the pasta to the pan with the artichokes and toss it by adding a little of the saved cooking water to create a light cream with the ricotta.
7. Serve the penne hot, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of raw olive oil if necessary.

Curiosity

Legume penne are an excellent alternative to traditional pasta, especially for those following a vegan diet or those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. Rich in protein and fiber, they perfectly match with simple and light ingredients like ricotta and artichokes. In Italy, ricotta is a very versatile fresh cheese, and artichokes are a traditional ingredient of spring cuisine, particularly appreciated for its slight bitterness that nicely complements sweeter and creamier flavors.