Spaghetti with Artichoke Hearts

Spaghetti with artichoke hearts is a light and appetizing dish, perfect for lovers of this spring vegetable. Here is the recipe to prepare this dish.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of spaghetti
  • 6 artichoke hearts (can be fresh, frozen, or even preserved in oil)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Fresh parsley to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Lemon juice (if using fresh artichokes)

Preparation

  1. If using fresh artichokes, clean them by removing the outer harder leaves, the tips, and the inner hairs, then cut them into thin wedges and place them in water with lemon juice to prevent them from darkening.
  2. Cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted water following the timing indicated on the package for al dente cooking.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat some extra virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic cloves until they become golden. If you want, you can remove them once golden or leave them in as desired.
  4. Add the artichoke hearts to the pan and cook for about 5-10 minutes if they are fresh, or until they are well browned if they are frozen or preserved in oil. If necessary, add a little water to prevent sticking.
  5. Adjust with salt and pepper and add chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Drain the al dente spaghetti and transfer them to the pan with the artichokes. Stir well to flavor the pasta.
  7. Serve hot and, if you like, add a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the spaghetti.

Curiosity

Artichokes are a vegetable with a long history and are highly appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine for their delicate and slightly bitter taste. In Italy, they are widespread and used in various preparations, from salads to side dishes, up to first courses like this one. They pair perfectly with simple dishes where their unique flavor can stand out.

Remember that if you use fresh artichokes, the result will be more delicate, while preserved in oil ones will give a more intense and sweet flavor to the dish. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!