Ziti with Artichokes and Goat Cheese

Servings: 4 to 6 » Preparation: 20 mins » Cooking: 35 mins » Level: Medium
Ingredients:
  • 1 lb (500 g) fresh artichokes
  • 1/3 cup (90 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup (45 g) pine nuts
  • 14 oz (400 g) soft fresh goat cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) FRESHLY GRATED Pecorino cheese
  • 1 lb (500 g) ziti or other long pasta

Procedure:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat
  2. Clean the artichokes by snapping off the tough outer leaves
  3. Trim the stalk and cut off the top third of the leaves
  4. Cut in half and use a sharp knife to remove fuzzy core
  5. Slice thinly
  6. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over high heat
  7. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute
  8. Add the artichokes and saute until the garlic is pale golden brown, about 3 minutes
  9. Lower the heat, cover, and cook until the artichokes are tender, about 15 minutes
  10. Add a little water if the artichokes begin to stick to the pan
  11. Add the parsley and mix well
  12. Toast the pine nuts in a small nonstick frying pan until pale golden brown, about 3 minutes
  13. Beat the goat cheese, pine nuts, salt, pepper, and half the cheese in a large bowl
  14. Gradually stir in the remaining oil
  15. Cook the pasta in the boiling water until al dente
  16. Drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid
  17. Add the pasta and the reserved cooking liquid to the sauce and toss well
  18. Add the half artichokes and their cooking juices
  19. Top with the remaining artichokes
  20. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and serve hot