Currently, we cannot ship wine to Alaska Provide your email address and we will notify you when that changes.
Strozzapreti pasta is a larger version of cavatelli, traditionally made by rolling out pasta dough by hand, then giving it a light twist. It’s chewy and fantastic at picking up sauce. The sauce we’re coating it with here is delicious: a cream reduction flavored with piquant Parmesan, the sauce is, at its base, enriched with the flavors of the season. We’re starting it by sautéing two spring vegetables, asparagus and English peas, to bring out their earthy and sweet flavors. Lastly, we’re finishing the pasta in it and garnishing the finished dish with mint and scallions.
See PlansWash and dry the fresh produce. Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling on high. Cut off and discard the root ends of the scallions; thinly slice the scallions, separating the white bottoms and green tops. Shell the peas. Snap off and discard the tough, woody ends of the asparagus; cut the asparagus into ½-inch pieces on an angle. Peel and mince the shallot to get 2 tablespoons of minced shallot (you may have extra); place in a medium bowl with the vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cut off and discard the root end of the lettuce; separate the leaves. Pick the mint leaves off the stems; discard the stems.
Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until just shy of al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Reserving ¾ cup of the pasta cooking water, thoroughly drain the cooked pasta. Set aside in a warm place.
While the pasta cooks, in a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the peas, asparagus and white bottoms of the scallions; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the asparagus and peas are bright green. Add the heavy cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
While the vegetables and sauce simmer, add the mustard to the shallot-vinegar mixture. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until thoroughly combined.
To the pan of vegetables and sauce, add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, butter and ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water; season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 4 minutes, or until the pasta is thoroughly coated. (If the sauce seems dry, gradually add the remaining pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.) Transfer to a serving dish.
Place the lettuce in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add enough of the dressing to coat the lettuce (you may have extra dressing); toss to mix and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish the finished pasta with the mint. Garnish the pasta and salad with the green tops of the scallions. Enjoy!
Tips from Home Chefs