Fettuccine with Wilted Escarole and Mushrooms

Chef Richard 4 Servings 25 minutes

A classic Italian dish with a twist by our very own Chef Richard!

Ingredients

  • ¾ pound fettuccine
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, cut into very thin slices
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1½ cups thinly sliced white mushrooms (5 ounces)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small head escarole (about ½ pound), cored and cut into 1-inch ribbons (see note)
  • 6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Directions

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine until just al dente. Drain the fettuccine, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
  • In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook over moderately high heat until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook until softened and just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the escarole to the skillet and cook, stirring, until wilted. Add the fettuccine and the reserved cooking water and cook, tossing gently, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Season the fettuccine with salt and pepper. Add the 6 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and toss to coat well. Transfer the pasta to plates or bowls and pass extra Parmesan at the table.

Note: Escarole, a variety of endive and a member of the same botanical family as chicory, has broad, curved leaves and a milder flavor than either Belgian endive or curly endive. It’s available year-round.