This Easter, ditch the predictable ham and elevate your dinner table with a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious: Creamy Artichoke Baked Pasta. Imagine tender pasta bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, bursting with the savory heartiness of artichoke hearts and finished with a bubbly, golden-brown crust. This isn't your average weeknight pasta; it's a showstopper, perfect for impressing family and friends gathered for a festive meal. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and subtly tangy artichokes creates a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring readily available ingredients and straightforward steps. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this dish prioritizes simple elegance. Ready to bring this irresistible Creamy Artichoke Baked Pasta to life? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create a memorable Easter feast.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Mixer
- Baking dish
- Pot
Ingredients
- Artichokes
- Onion: 1/4 chopped
- Oil: 1 spoonful
- Salt: a pinch
- Pepper: a pinch
- Broth: 1 ladle
- Béchamel sauce
- Short pasta: 320g
- Parmesan cheese: 30g
- Mozzarella cheese: 200g
- Lemon
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Artichokes and Sauce
- Clean two artichokes, remove the hardest outer leaves, stem, and woody parts. Eliminate all hard parts, including internal leaves and fluff.
- Cut the artichokes into thin slices, and also slice the stems. Soak everything in water with lemon.
- In a pan, add a spoonful of oil and a quarter of a chopped onion. Cook until golden.
- Add the well-drained artichokes to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, add a ladle of broth, cover, and cook until soft (about 15 minutes).
- Mix half of the cooked artichokes with half of the béchamel sauce in a mixer until blended.
- Combine the blended mixture with the remaining artichokes and béchamel sauce.
Step 2. Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients
- Cook the pasta al dente.
- Add the artichoke cream to the cooked pasta.
- Mix half of the parmesan cheese and torn mozzarella into the pasta.
Step 3. Assemble and Bake
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining béchamel sauce, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella.
- Bake at 200°C until golden brown.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen artichoke hearts?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the sauce. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
2. What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle hold the creamy sauce well and are ideal for this recipe. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti.
This Creamy Artichoke Baked Pasta is the perfect addition to your Easter table, offering a sophisticated yet approachable dish that's sure to be a hit with everyone. From its rich, creamy sauce to its satisfying texture, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease of preparation. Enjoy this delightful pasta dish and happy Easter!