I’m sure you’re all wandering around aimlessly scratching your heads and wondering where I am these days? Why am I so quiet? Where’s the food I promised all of you lovely readers?
I’m sorry. The truth is I was a bit under the weather. In fact, I was so sick that I didn’t dare cook because then I would have to eat. Eating led to being far sicker. It was a vicious cycle, which was incredibly distracting and time-consuming. It takes a lot of time and energy to spend the day calling all of your friends, your mom, your sister, and your husband in order to complain about being sick and not eating.
I was so distracted I even missed my 200th post. I didn’t notice and the milestone flew by without any fanfare. I even planned to bake a cake for the occasion. Again, I’m sorry. That cake will have to wait for another fabulous occasion. My birthday is actually just around the corner, in case you were wondering.
I believe I am back in the game now. However, once you read this, please knock on the wooden item closest to you. Although I am typically not superstitious, I am, in fact, desperate.
In any case, I missed you. I miss your comments and your blogs. Those lovely comments and inspiring blogs keep me and this thing going.
I finally managed to cook last night. It was a simple meal. It was a meal that didn’t hurt my poor embattled belly. It was delicious. Sometimes, as you know, the simplest recipes offer the most satisfaction. It’s pretty great to know you can make a fantastic meal on a weeknight without too much work or effort. This week, I am ever so thankful for this knowledge.
I think you’ll like this meal a lot. Not only is it simple to make, it’s remarkably flavorful and fresh-tasting. Don’t let the frozen artichoke hearts fool you. Roasting them brings out the depth of their flavor. Your stomach will thank you.
Fettuccine with Artichokes
1 (12-ounce) packages frozen artichoke hearts (not thawed)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 lb dried egg fettuccine
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 oz. finely grated Parmigiano-Regiano (1/4 cup) plus additional for serving
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Roast artichoke hearts on a cookie pan in the oven until they are fragrant and thawed, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
Boil a large pot of salted water in anticipation of the pasta.
Meanwhile, heat oil and butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté onion, salt, pepper, and red-pepper flakes, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 8 minutes. Add artichokes and sauté, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice (to taste), then remove from heat and transfer mixture to a large heatproof bowl.
While artichokes are sautéing, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta-cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander and add to artichoke mixture along with 1/2 cup reserved water. Add parsley and cheese and toss to combine. Season pasta with salt and thin with additional reserved cooking water if desired. Serve with additional cheese on the side.
Adapted from Gourmet.
24 Comments
You made the very best thing possible…pasta
We are a great fan of the frozen artichoke. They are wonderful breaded and fried as well. Great mock fried oyster, in fact (I think).
Glad you are feeling better. I will knock on my tissue box since I don't think my cubicle is made of natural fibers.
Now eat. You have a lot of meals to make up for.
Ooh, rich and delicious! I love pasta meals like this, but I rarely make them. I somehow can't bring myself to douse 1/4 cup of oil plus butter into the pan for pasta (I like to eat this when other people make it though-that way I can pretend they didn't do that-smile).
So just roast frozen artichoke hearts for 20 min? No oil, etc?
Hope you feel completely better soon-sounds like a stomach virus…
Stella- I actually chopped the butter in half that the recipe called for, if you can believe it! I think you could probably make this without the addition of the butter at all. As far as the artichokes go, they're pretty wet and oily so you don't need to douse them with anything before putting them in the oven. Cheers!
I'm glad you are feeling better now. That fettucine dish looks marvelous and so spring-like! A great idea.
Cheers,
Rosa
I'm sorry to hear you've been sick. I'm glad you're finally turning the corner. This year has been hell for illness. Your dish is beautiful, simple and perfect. Happy 200th post and happy upcoming birthday to you. Here's to your health!
Happy you're back! I was wondering if I missed adding you to my new-fangled feedly feed…
I've never purchased frozen artichoke hearts, but now I know I will have to since this really looks delicious. A good thing to have in the freezer for when I don't know what to make!
Feeling under the weather, a little or a lot, is no fun. Especially when it ruins cooking and the enjoyment of food!! But now you are better and can take full advantage of the springing Spring. Looks like you've already begun with this pasta. Made it once before and it's a keeper.
Cheers and stay healthy,
*Heather*
Ah, Now roasting the artihearts is brilliant. I'm a little annoyed with myself for not thinking of doing that.
Sorry to hear that you were feeling poorly but glad to see you're better.
Glad to see you back…nice simple meal sounds delicious
Sorry to hear you were under the weather. I loathe being sick and I'm terribly pathetic about it the whole time to boot. This pasta looks exactly like something I would make on a weeknight. Delicious and simple. Perfect.
Under the weather, as I feel at present, is no good, but artichokes are some darned good treats.
So glad you are feeling better! Can't wait to try this pasta. We have actually been on an artichoke kick lately so this will fit in perfectly. I just knocked on my work table for you.
oy, no eating is no fun, but pasta makes everything better! glad you're on the mend! congrats on your 200th post! wowza! and looking forward to cake
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I was sick for the better part of last week but your illness makes mine sound mild by comparison.
I've missed my red-headed bloggy friend. And I laughed about that calling-takes-all-my-energy part…that is so me.
I hope you're feeling better! I myself am in sick with a bit of a stomach bug today, no fun at all.
But I made myself some pasta with broth, something my mom always made for me when I was sick (hers is always better) and I felt a little better. The simplest things can definitely be the most delicious.
I also love easy pasta dishes, there are so many possibilities that can be accomplished in the short time it takes for the water to begin to boil. Love it.
I love the idea of roasting the frozen artichokes – I'll bet it really enhances the dish.
I'm sorry to hear that you have been under the weather. I hope you are feeling better.
This looks like a delicious pasta. I've always loved the flavors of lemon, butter and parsley.
Happy birthday and 200th post!
wow! i just found your blog, out of randomness, and i'm in love with it, with the photography, the writing, the food…
i added you to the blogroll, it's necessary that i keep reading!
Adriana from Baking Powders
I have to say that I rarely eat artichokes but this fettuccine with artichokes sound and looks so good that I just might try it! Kisses and thank you
This Pasta looks super interesting! I can't wait to cook it!!
Oh, poor thing! Welcome back. (I can't imagine a better return than by way of artichokes
this looks oh so delicious!
it looks absolutely mouthwatering… i must try it soon