I just got back from a few blissful days spent in the Basque country where my family has a house we all reunite in once or twice a year. We spent a wonderful holiday filled with a lot, a lot of food, time relaxing in the sun and some much needed catching up. Family meals have always been a pretty central part of my family life and I can’t imagine not recreating that feeling with my own family one day. Sharing a love for flavourful ingredients and satisfying meals, we feasted on the classic ‘melon et jambon’ – slices of cantaloupe with thinly sliced Bayonne ham -, curried mussels, slowly braised lamb with garlic haricots verts, goat cheese and tomato tarts, pear clafoutis.. and I much, much more!
All to say, that lighter meals are now in order! This pasta dish has become a classic in our house. We always have canned artichokes in our pantry and they come in very handy for these kinds of dishes. I get the ones that are marinating in oil and herbs so they are nice and tasty and needed little extra preparation. This really is a light pasta meal with only a couple tablespoons of cream, and is another one of those easy pasta dishes I can make in the time it takes the pasta to cook!
Creamy Artichoke and Garlic Spaghetti
Serves 2
Spaghetti for 2
4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely sliced
4 scallions, finely sliced
1 cup of canned artichokes, drained
1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan, and extra to serve
2 tablespoons of whipping cream
1/2 lemon, juiced
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, place a pan on medium heat and add a good drizzle of olive oil. Add the garlic slices and leave untouched for 2-3 minutes. Add the scallions and stir. Cook for another 2 minutes and add a good pinch of salt and pepper.
Coarsely chop the artichokes and add to the pan. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for another 5 minutes. Add the cream and stir. Add one tablespoon of the pasta water – the starch from the pasta in the water will help thicken the sauce. Drain the pasta and add to the pan. Stir so all the ingredients mix in with the spaghetti. Add the parmesan, a pinch of salt and pepper, the lemon juice and stir again. Serve immediately, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy!
Enjoy the read!
Megan
August 19, 2010 at 5:20 pm (14 years ago)Oh my goodness — this sounds so decadent yet so simple. I love artichokes and garlic, so I will be adding this to my must-make list!
Evan @swEEts
August 19, 2010 at 5:28 pm (14 years ago)I love when I have all the ingredients for a delicious looking meal!!
Miss Meat and Potatoes
August 19, 2010 at 7:21 pm (14 years ago)How lucky are you to have such a wonderful house and place to visit. This recipe is calling my name! Glad you had a good time:)
G.
August 19, 2010 at 7:47 pm (14 years ago)your holiday in basque country sounds so, so lovely. how wonderful! this is a perfect summery meal.
Nicole Franzen
August 19, 2010 at 8:40 pm (14 years ago)yum love artichoke pastas 🙂
http://nicolefranzen.blogspot.com/
Torviewtoronto
August 19, 2010 at 9:53 pm (14 years ago)delicious beautiful picture
Taylor
August 19, 2010 at 10:46 pm (14 years ago)This looks delicious! I love simple dishes like this
Kay Heritage
August 20, 2010 at 3:35 pm (14 years ago)What can POSSIBLY go wrong with garlic and artichoke! Looks fantastic!
smalltownoven
August 20, 2010 at 6:00 pm (14 years ago)Looks so delicious and simple! I just commented on a post by Aran at Cannelle et Vanille who is in Basque country now. I’m so jealous of both of you. I adore Spain and all the food it has to offer. I’ll definitely be trying this out!
Jean
August 20, 2010 at 11:15 pm (14 years ago)Welcome back and you haven’t missed a beat with this beautiful pasta dish. I was lucky enough to spend some time in San Sebastian a few years ago and loved it–the people and the food.
I love the simplicity of this dish. Must try it soon. 🙂
pigpigscorner
August 21, 2010 at 6:46 am (14 years ago)This sounds so creamy and yummy! Garlicky goodness too!
lostpastremembered
August 21, 2010 at 3:18 pm (14 years ago)This is what I’m having for dinner!!! Great simple recipe!
Daily Freebies
August 22, 2010 at 5:48 pm (14 years ago)Wow, this looks amazing! I am loving your blog… keep it up!!!
Kate Morgan Jackson
August 22, 2010 at 9:17 pm (14 years ago)LOVE LOVE LOVE! Artichokes and garlic in the same dish…doesn’t get better than that. And yet another gorgeous picture! 🙂
Nikki (Pennies on a Platter)
August 23, 2010 at 12:30 am (14 years ago)Mmm mmm mmm.. Love anything with artichokes!
Joudie's Mood Food
August 23, 2010 at 8:19 am (14 years ago)Simplicity is the best!
Angela
August 23, 2010 at 9:23 am (14 years ago)looks yummy…really like artichoke, but it’s hard to find in Taiwan.
kimberleyblue
August 23, 2010 at 2:58 pm (14 years ago)Oooh, I love the sound of this. So simple, yet so full of great flavours. Cream and garlic – it’s hard to beat that!
Kitchenstance
August 25, 2010 at 10:58 am (14 years ago)This looks so yummy, and your holiday sounds like it was to die for! I never thought to use artichokes in pasta before, but now I can’t wait.
Muneeba
August 25, 2010 at 12:32 pm (14 years ago)so simple and fresh and elegant! must try!
Meredith
August 30, 2010 at 12:11 pm (14 years ago)This looks delicious, I will definitely give this a try!
Marie
September 1, 2010 at 2:08 am (14 years ago)Sounds so simple and delicious. I mainly eat artichokes in salads or, occasionally, dips. Pasta sounds like another a great way to eat them!
dining tables
November 24, 2010 at 9:00 pm (13 years ago)This is delicious! I love the whole dish. Perfect! Thanks a lot for sharing.