CREAMY ARTICHOKE PASTA

Creamy Artichoke Pasta image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound dried fettuccine (see Cook's Note)
Two 14-ounce cans artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
1 cup chopped roasted red peppers
1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved
3 tablespoons capers
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions for al dente.
Meanwhile, blend the drained artichoke hearts, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large high-sided skillet or braiser over medium heat. Add the roasted red peppers, olives, capers and red pepper flakes and sauté until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and a drizzle of oil if needed. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is slightly softened but not brown, about 1 minute. Stir in the blended artichoke hearts, then reduce the heat to low.
When the pasta is ready, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the artichoke sauce. Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and toss together until the sauce and water become a cohesive creamy mixture, add more pasta water as needed. Turn off the heat. Add the basil and parsley, toss to combine and serve.