I found this recipe on a box of penne pasta last night that I cooked for my kid’s dinner. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that I adapted a little but I can’t wait to try. If you read my blog or visit my web site, you’ll notice I am always on the lookout for a new idea for a recipe and often product packaging is one of the best sources for discovering them.

I may change an ingredient here and there and I may prefer my own cooking technique to what they offer, but they are great resources for recipes. You figure they want to sell their product so they are not going to put a dog of a recipe on their package.

Penne with Artichoke Sauce
Ingredients
Serves 6 – 8

1 pound Penne Rigate
1-¼ cups diced tomatoes
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
5 artichoke hearts (in water not oil or all you will taste is oil)

½ cup Parmesan cheese
1 small onion
1-tablespoon fresh parsley
1-teaspoon capers
Salt & pepper, to taste

Prep

Start heating up a large pot of water to cook the pasta.
Slice the onion thinly.
Finely chop the parsley.
Chop the capers.
Drain and slice the artichoke hearts

How to Prepare at Home

The pasta takes about 12 to 15 minutes to cook. The sauce take even less time. So salt the water and heat it up to a boil.. While that is happening, prep the ingredients. Once the water is boiling, add the penne and start making the sauce. (see my tips on cooking pasta)

Sauté the onion in the extra virgin olive oil. Add the artichoke hearts and cook until the onions are pale gold.

Add the capers and tomatoes. Season with a little salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes to heat up the tomatoes and blend together the flavors. 

When the pasta is al dente, drain and add to the artichoke sauce. Serve (plate) and top with some of the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan. Have a little extra Parmesan at the table for those who just can’t get enough Parmesan cheese.