Orecchiette with Artichokes
Category: First Courses
Serves: 4
This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of tender artichokes and the delightful bite of orecchiette pasta. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. With a few key ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Here’s how to prepare this Italian classic!

Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Orecchiette | 320g |
Artichokes | 5 |
Extra virgin olive oil | 4 tablespoons |
White onion | 1 |
Whole milk | 1 cup |
Grana Padano DOP cheese | 40g (grated) |
Fine salt | To taste |
Fresh mint | To taste |
Preparation Instructions
-
Boil Water for Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used for cooking your orecchiette. -
Prepare the Artichokes:
While the water is heating up, clean the artichokes. Trim off most of the stem, leaving just 3-4 cm. Then, cut the top of the artichoke leaves, removing about 2-3 cm. Peel away the tough outer leaves and slice the tender hearts in half. To prevent browning, place the cut artichokes into a bowl of water with lemon juice. -
Slice the Onion:
Thinly slice the white onion. Set it aside, ready to be sautéed. -
Sauté the Onion:
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent. -
Cook the Artichokes:
Drain the artichokes and add them to the skillet with the onions. Stir frequently, cooking for about 3-4 minutes. Make sure the artichokes are well-coated in the oil and onion mixture. -
Add Milk and Seasoning:
Pour in a glass of whole milk, and season with fine salt to taste. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the artichokes simmer until tender. This should take about 10-12 minutes. -
Cook the Orecchiette:
While the artichokes are simmering, cook the orecchiette in the boiling salted water for about 7-8 minutes (or according to the package instructions), until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. -
Combine Pasta and Artichokes:
Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet with the artichokes. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is coated in the creamy mixture. If the dish is too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water. -
Add Grana Padano:
Sprinkle in the grated Grana Padano cheese and stir to combine. Let everything cook together for about 1 minute on low heat to allow the flavors to meld. -
Garnish and Serve:
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh mint for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the orecchiette with artichokes hot, garnished with a little more grated cheese if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Approximate values)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 11g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Fat | 14g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugars | 3g |
Sodium | 400mg |
Cholesterol | 20mg |
Enjoy your Orecchiette with Artichokes!
This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends. The artichokes bring a delightful earthiness, while the Grana Padano adds a creamy, nutty finish. Pair it with a crisp white wine and enjoy a taste of Italy from the comfort of your home!