Easy Weekend Recipe that is Company Worthy

I tried this recipe this week and my entire family loved it,  Plum Tomatoes and Artichokes with Penne Pasta.  It was easy and I would say definitely "company worthy".  I am not sure where I came across the recipe, but I have had it for years without trying it, as evidence by the worn and withered paper it was printed on but I am glad I kept up with it because it was so good.  My oldest son even asked if the left overs could be dinner last night (he is notorious for not liking left overs) so I think that says something.

Plum Tomatoes and Artichokes With Penne Pasta

*12 ounces oil-marinated artichoke hearts

    (I had to use 2 6 ounce to get the ones

    packed in the oil which is crucial!)

*1 cup chopped onions

*1 Tablespoon finely chopped garlic

*2 - 28 ounce cans plum tomatoes, crushed

*2 Tablespoons tomato paste

*1 teaspoon dried basil

*1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

*1/8 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

*Salt &  freshly ground Pepper to taste

*2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro

      (the recipe called for flat leaf parsley but all I had on hand was cilantro)

*Cooked Penne Pasta (12 ounce box)
*Parmesan and/or Mozzarella cheese (grated) to sprinkle on top

1. Drain the artichokes, reserving the oil, and halve them lengthwise.

2. Place 3 Tablespoons of the artichoke oil marinade in a heavy pot.  Add the onions and stir over low heat for 10 minutes, adding the garlic during the last couple of minutes.  Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.  Simmer, uncovered for 40 minutes.

3. Add the reserved artichoke hearts with the remaining oil marinade and stir occasionally while simmering for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the cilantro and adjust the seasoning to your taste and add Penne and toss well. 

Sprinkle with grated cheese to taste

Serves 6-8

Enjoy!