Pasta & rice main dishes

Orecchiette pasta with artichoke and sun-dried tomato sauce

⏱ 30 min🍳 20 min👤 3 pp★★★☆☆

Orecchiette is a very versatile pasta shape, well-suited to tomato or traditional meat sauces, but also to fish and vegetable sauces. Today we offer a highly tempting, spring-like combination: artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. Colour and flavour combine for a really delicious dish, made even more special with the addition of a grating of Puglian cacioricotta cheese!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
16g
Carbohydrates
68g
Fat
18g
Fiber
6g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
20 minutes Active time
Serves 3 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Gently fry the garlic and parsley in a pan. Meanwhile, peel and prepare the artichokes and put them in water with some lemon juice. Then add the artichokes to the frying pan and braise for ten minutes or so, adding a splash of white wine and adjusting the salt to taste. When the artichokes are nice and tender add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes then remove from the heat. Cook the orechhiette pasta in salted boiling water and then drain. Mix the pasta with the prepared sauce and finish with a generous grating of Puglian cacioricotta cheese.

Tips
If you buy 'loose' sun-dried tomatoes, you should first rinse them in water and vinegar. However, if you buy the ready-to-eat type preserved in oil, you can add them directly to your dish!
Trivia
Orecchiette pasta are so-called because they resemble little ears - the meaning of 'orechiette' in Italian. In Puglia they are made in various forms: larger, smaller, smoother or rougher!

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes baked

A delicious variation of the classic orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes is the baked preparation. This cooking method gives the dish an irresistible crunch, ideal for those who love different textures. To make this version, after cooking the orecchiette and preparing the sauce with the artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes, you can transfer everything to a baking dish. Add a generous sprinkle of grated cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes, until the surface is golden and crispy. This recipe is perfect for an informal dinner with friends or for a family Sunday, bringing to the table a dish that combines tradition and innovation.

Orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes Apulian style

The orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes Apulian style represent a true tribute to the culinary tradition of Puglia. This region is famous for its fresh, handmade orecchiette and for its fresh, genuine ingredients. The preparation involves sautéing garlic and parsley, then adding the artichokes, which are stewed with a splash of white wine. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes, typical of this area, enriches the dish with an intense and decisive flavor. Serve the orecchiette hot, perhaps accompanied by a good red wine from Puglia, for an authentic culinary experience. This recipe is a perfect example of how the simplicity of ingredients can create an extraordinary dish.

Orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes light

For those looking for a lighter version of orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes, it is possible to make some modifications to the traditional recipe. By using less oil and opting for a low-fat cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead of cacioricotta, you achieve a lighter dish that is still tasty. Additionally, you can increase the amount of artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes to maintain a good balance of flavor without weighing down the dish. Cook the orecchiette in salted water and dress them with the sauce prepared as in the original recipe, but be careful not to overdo the seasonings. This version is ideal for those following a balanced diet without giving up the pleasure of a good pasta dish.

Nutritional benefits of orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes

The orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes are not only a delicious dish but also rich in nutritional benefits. Artichokes are known for their purifying properties and their fiber content, which aids digestion. Moreover, they are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin K. Sun-dried tomatoes, on the other hand, provide a good amount of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. On average, a serving of orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes contains about 400 calories, depending on the amounts of oil and cheese used. This dish not only satisfies the palate but also contributes to a healthy and balanced diet.

Can you freeze orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, it is possible to freeze orecchiette with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes, but there are some precautions to follow to ensure good preservation. It is advisable to freeze the dish before adding the cheese, as this may alter the texture once thawed. Once prepared, let the orecchiette with the sauce cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe food bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. The orecchiette can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in a pan with a drizzle of oil to bring them back to their original goodness.