Italian Recipes

Creamy Orecchiette with Sautéed Artichokes and Grana Padano

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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

  1. Boil Water for Pasta:
    Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used for cooking your orecchiette.

  2. 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.

  3. Slice the Onion:
    Thinly slice the white onion. Set it aside, ready to be sautéed.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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!

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