Vegetarian Pasta Recipes:
Pasta with Artichokes and Pine Nuts


If you're looking for easy vegetarian pasta recipes, give this one a try!

Pasta with Artichokes and Pine Nuts



This is quick and easy to make, but tastes delicious!

I use whole wheat pasta, but feel free to use your favorite.

Be sure to buy marinated artichoke hearts. (They usually come in a glass jar, not a can.) If you are able to find marinated artichoke hearts in a larger jar, buy it!



Check that you have these staples at home

  • in the cupboard

    • macaroni
    • jar of marinated artichokes
    • garlic

  • in the fridge or freezer

    • onions
    • pine nuts
    • Parmesan cheese
    • sour cream

Buy these fresh ingredients

  • sweet red pepper

Get out your equipment

  • Essential

    • a pasta pot or large saucepan
    • a large skillet
    • a pasta strainer
    • a cutting board and sharp knife
    • a wooden spoon or other mixing spoon
    • a large bowl

  • Nice to have but not necessary

    • a garlic press (if not, mince the garlic with a sharp knife)
    • kitchen shears for cutting the artichoke hearts
    • a rotary cheese grater (if not, use a regular grater)




    The recipe

    2 cups/500 mL pasta

    1 jar (6 oz/170 mL) marinated artichokes

    1 onion, chopped

    1 sweet red pepper, thinly sliced

    1 Tbsp/30 mL pine nuts

    1 clove garlic, pressed

    1/3 cup/75 mL grated Parmesan cheese

    1/3 cup/75 mL sour cream



    Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
    Drain.

    While the pasta is cooking, get out a large skillet.
    Pour the liquid from the artichoke jar into the skillet and heat it over medium-high heat.

    Cut the artichokes into quarters and set them aside.

    Add the onion, red pepper, pine nuts and garlic to the skillet.
    Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the nuts are golden and the onion is soft.

    Add the drained artichokes.
    Cook for a minute more.

    Remove from heat.

    Toss the sauce with the cooked drained pasta.
    Add the Parmesan cheese and the sour cream.
    Toss to mix well.



    Substitutions

    • Use any chunky pasta (like shells, fusilli or rotini) instead of macaroni.

    • Use a yellow, orange or green pepper instead of a red pepper.

    Ideas for making this recipe your own

    • Instead of pine nuts, substitute another crunchy alternative. How about cashews or almonds - or sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds?

    • To make this a lighter dish, try substituting plain yogurt for some or all of the sour cream.

    Tips

    • Did you know that pine nuts are not nuts at all? They are actually seeds. Pine nuts come from certain varieties of pine trees - and can be eaten by many people who have nut allergies!

    • If you can find a larger jar of marinated artichokes, buy it! The larger the jar, the more economical. You'll need about 1 cup/250 mL of artichokes and 1/2 cup/125 mL of liquid.




    Menu suggestion

    Serve this dish with



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