Artichoke Gemelli

My wife and I are constantly striving to eat healthier so I've been experimenting with healthy meals that are low in points. What I came up with is a wonderful combination of artichoke hearts and gemelli pasta. The sweetness of the artichokes contrasts with the savory parmesan cheese to bring this pasta dish to new heights, even if you are not on a diet.

Makes 2 servings (6 Weight Watchers points / serving)

Ingredients

5 oz Gemelli Pasta *

2 TBS + ¼ tsp Kosher salt

1 TBS olive oil

1 Medium Yellow Onion (sliced paper thin)

14oz Can Artichoke Hearts (drained and quartered)

3 Cloves Garlic (sliced thin)

½ C Chicken Broth

1 tsp Dried Parsley

2 C Pasta Water

1 TBS Grated Parmesan Cheese.

½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional) *

Cook the pasta according to package directions making sure to add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt to the water.

While the pasta is cooking, slice the onion into paper thin slices. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sautee the onions until they are light brown in color, stirring frequently.  When the onions are cooked add the garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds. Add the quartered artichoke hearts and cook until the pan is almost dry. Add the chicken broth and teaspoon of dried parsley and continue cooking until the pan is almost dry. Add 2 cups of water from the cooking pasta, turn the heat to high and cook down until only a little liquid is left.

Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the artichokes. Cook for an additional 60 seconds while stirring. Serve immediately, topping with the grated parmesan and optional red pepper flakes.

* Pronto Substitutes

Gemelli – Gemelli are small twisted pasta but you can use any smaller sized pasta.

Red Pepper Flakes – If you are serving this to children you may want to skip the red pepper flakes.

To print a copy of this recipe go to Artichoke Gemelli.