I Heart Artichokes

Its officially warm out, and when that happens I seem to eat lighter and healthier (probably because I am showing more skin and hitting the gym hard again). With this in mind, I wanted to share a recipe I love to make that is actually semi-healthy (as I use veggie pasta) and tastes great!

—Artichoke Pasta and Lemon Butter Sauce —
This artichoke pasta recipe is an easy, but elegant dinner option. It’s tossed in a rich, flavorful, lemon butter sauce and garnished with lots of fresh mint.

Ingredients
-8 roasted baby artichokes, halved or quartered (or 1 large artichoke and use the leaves)
-Lemon Butter Sauce (recipe below)
-8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
-2 tablespoons chopped parsley
-¼ teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
-Freshly ground black pepper
-½ cup reserved pasta water
-¼ cup pine nuts
-⅓ cup fresh mint leaves, for garnish
-Lemon wedges, for serving
-Pecorino cheese, for serving, optional

Instructions
-Steam or bake your artichokes with lemon and prepare the lemon butter sauce.
-Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions, or until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
-Drain and return the pasta back to the pot.
-Add the artichokes, lemon butter sauce, parsley, salt, and several grinds of pepper and toss to coat.
-If the pasta looks too dry, add the reserved pasta water, ¼ cup at a time, until lightly saucy.
-Portion into bowls and top with the pine nuts and mint leaves. Serve with lemon wedges and pecorino cheese, if desired.

— Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce —
This lemon garlic butter sauce is rich, flavorful, and SO easy to make! Serve it on pasta, couscous, roasted veggies, and more.

Ingredients
-¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
-1 garlic clove, grated
-¼ teaspoon sea salt
-2 tablespoons lemon juice
-Freshly ground black pepper
-Parsley, for garnish
-Pinch red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
-Add the garlic and salt and cook for 1 minute.
-Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice.
-Season with freshly ground pepper and sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes, if using.
-Serve with steamed artichokes for dipping or toss with pasta.

Bon Appétit!