#EatWellLiveWell: Fresh Artichoke and Chicken Pasta

Are you are looking for a way to improve your overall health and keep your weight management goals on track this summer? Then artichokes are the perfect food for you! Artichoke, a Mediterranean plant, is just a flower that hasn't bloomed yet, and is technically a form of thistle, not an actual vegetable! This unique food is a great choice to incorporate into your spring diet, as it is a natural detoxifying agent.

Nutrients in artichokes are shown to help improve liver, digestive, brain, and bone health. The antioxidant and polyphenol properties found in artichokes have also proven to have chemopreventive qualities in people with cancer. This vegetable is filled to the brim with health benefits and is now available fresh at your local farmers market or grocery store. Boost your well-being this spring with our new Artichoke and Chicken Pasta recipe today!

Recipe: Artichoke and Chicken Pasta

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) package linguine pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast meat cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 (14 ounce) can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

• 1 large tomato, chopped

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• salt and pepper to taste

• 2 lemons, cut into wedges, for garnish

Directions:

1. Boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Cook linguine pasta in boiling water until tender yet firm (al dente), around 8-10 minutes, and drain.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2 minutes.

3. Stir in chicken to the oil, garlic and onion mixture. Stir occasionally until chicken is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.

4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and add the artichoke hearts, tomato, feta cheese, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, and cooked pasta. Cook until all is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:

488 calories, 11.4 g fat, 55 mg cholesterol, 444 mg sodium, 70 g total carbohydrates, 7.5 g fiber, 32.6 g protein

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