Creamy Artichoke Heart Pasta Delight
Indulge in this delicious Creamy Artichoke Heart Pasta Delight that combines the vibrant flavors of marinated artichoke hearts with a rich and creamy sauce. Perfectly cooked pasta is coated in a sauce made from sautéed onions, fresh herbs, and a blend of sour cream and cottage cheese, creating a delightful texture that complements the artichoke hearts beautifully. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for sharing with family and friends, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
pasta
1/2 lb (cooked al dente and drained)
artichoke hearts
1 (6 ounce) jar (marinated and drained)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
butter
1 tablespoon (none)
onion
1 cup (sliced)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
cottage cheese
1/2 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
cayenne pepper
to taste (none)
Parmesan cheese
for serving (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the liquid from the jar of marinated artichoke hearts into a large skillet.
2
Slice the drained artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and butter to the artichoke marinade, then heat over medium heat.
4
Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions to the skillet and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes, or until they turn soft and translucent.
5
Gently stir in the sliced artichoke hearts and dried basil, cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until heated through and combined.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and carefully stir in the sour cream, cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper until smooth.
7
Toss the warm sauce with the cooked pasta, ensuring that every strand is coated in the creamy artichoke mixture.
8
Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this pasta dish?
The dish features vibrant marinated artichoke hearts combined with a rich sauce made from onions, herbs, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
Is this Creamy Artichoke Heart Pasta Delight vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses pasta, vegetables, and dairy products without any meat.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 175 calories per serving in this recipe.
What type of artichoke hearts should I use?
You should use a 6-ounce jar of marinated artichoke hearts for the best flavor.
Do I need to drain the artichoke heart liquid?
Yes, but do not discard it; drain the marinade liquid directly into your large skillet to use as a flavorful base.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This recipe contains approximately 7.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this pasta provide?
Each serving of this dish provides approximately 7.5g of protein.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of pasta cooked al dente; shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the sliced onions for 5 to 8 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent.
What spices are included in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dried basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
When should I add the sour cream and cottage cheese?
Remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the sour cream and cottage cheese to ensure a smooth texture.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick dinner option perfect for weeknights.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of dried basil, you can substitute with fresh basil for a brighter flavor.
What should I use for topping the pasta?
Top the pasta immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Does the recipe use both butter and olive oil?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter heated together with the artichoke marinade.
How do I prepare the artichoke hearts?
Drain the liquid, then slice the artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the skillet.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a very mild heat due to the inclusion of a pinch of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the purpose of adding cottage cheese to pasta sauce?
Cottage cheese adds a unique creamy texture and boosts the protein content of the sauce.
Can I make this dish for special occasions?
Yes, its delightful texture and rich flavor make it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
The recipe suggests cooking the pasta al dente and draining it, but typically you do not rinse it so the sauce adheres better.
What size jar of artichoke hearts is needed?
A standard 6-ounce jar of marinated artichoke hearts is required.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Stir the dairy and spices thoroughly after removing the skillet from the heat to prevent curdling and ensure smoothness.
Can I add extra vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on artichokes and onions, you could easily add spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
What is the suggested serving size?
The specific serving size isn't listed, but the recipe uses 1/2 lb of pasta as a base.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as comfort food due to its creamy sauce and pasta base.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sliced onion; yellow or white onions are generally best for sautéing.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
You could potentially substitute Greek yogurt for a tangier, higher-protein alternative to sour cream.
How long does the whole process take?
While a specific total time isn't given, the cooking steps for the sauce take roughly 15 minutes plus pasta boiling time.
How should I toss the pasta with the sauce?
Toss the warm sauce with the cooked pasta thoroughly to ensure every strand is evenly coated.