This is the dish to make when you’re hungry for something complex and grown-up. It’s quick to prepare and tastes like it came from an upscale pasta restaurant. Make a point of keeping a can of artichoke hearts in the pantry and some pine nuts tucked away in your freezer; the rest of the ingredients are standard.
Linguine with Artichokes, Chicken and Pine Nuts (serves 4)
1. Put up a pot of water to boil.
2. Start the chicken:
- 2 split chicken breast pieces, cut into 1 inch chunks
- 3 Tbs. olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
- juice from 1 whole lemon
- 1 14 oz can artichoke hearts, halved
- 1 c. chopped parsley
Heat the olive oil, add the chicken with a sprinkle of salt. Add the garlic and saute for about 5 minutes, turning the pieces to brown all sides. Squeeze on the juice of the lemon, add the artichoke hearts and parsley, cover and heat over a low heat until the chicken is cooked through, for 8-10 more minutes.
3. Boil the linguine according the package directions, drain and toss with:
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- fresh ground pepper
4. Toast the pine nuts while the pasta is cooking:
- 3/4 c. pine nuts
Place the pine nuts in a small pan over a very low heat. Stir occasionally. When browned, remove from heat and set aside in a (not plastic) bowl.
5. Serve it up. Cover the pasta with the chicken mixture, top with pine nuts and sprinkle with:
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh ground pepper