Smoky Pea & Artichoke Pasta

From EatingWell: May/June 1998 — Subscribe Now!

Here artichokes are combined with smoky ham and fresh peas to create a pasta dish that tastes richer than it actually is. Serve with a green salad with a simple dressing of lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil.

READER'S COMMENT:

"I was disappointed in the sauce for this dish. The chicken broth is just too thin and didn't add any flavor. After all the work to get the artichokes ready I was hoping for a great dish. I've not thought of a way to make the sauce...

6 servings

Active Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

1 lemon, halved
2 large artichokes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups shelled fresh peas, (about 3 pounds unshelled) or frozen peas
1/2 cup thinly sliced prosciutto, or ham (2 ounces)
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 pound whole-wheat orecchiette, or penne
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Preparation

Put a large pot of water on to boil for cooking pasta.
Fill a medium bowl with cold water. Squeeze the lemon juice into the water and add lemon halves. Snap off all the outer leaves of the artichokes. With a paring knife, trim the bottom 1/4 inch off the stems. Pare away the fibrous green portions, down to the hearts. With a melon baller or spoon, scoop out the fuzzy chokes. Cut stems and hearts into 1/4-inch-thick slices and drop into lemon water.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain the artichokes and add to the pan. Cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add peas, ham and broth. Cover and simmer until the artichokes are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, cook pasta until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and place in a large warmed bowl. Add the pea mixture and 1/4 cup Parmesan and toss. Pass remaining cheese separately.

Nutrition

Per serving: 421 calories; 8 g fat (2 g sat, 2 g mono); 15 mg cholesterol; 67 g carbohydrates; 20 g protein; 10 g fiber; 588 mg sodium; 434 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (41% daily value), Calcium (18% dv), Iron (16% dv)

4 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 4 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat