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This Italian-inspired pasta dish is the height of fine dining. It features fresh cavatelli in a creamy, piquant white sauce with Gorgonzola, a creamy variety of blue cheese. Lightly toasted red walnuts offer crunchy texture and another dimension of flavor, alongside red and white endives. (White endives are often called “white gold” by Belgians). Diced pear rounds out the flavor profile, creating a juicy, mildly sweet finish. Mangia bene, chefs!
See PlansWash and dry the fresh produce. Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling on high. Core and small dice the pear. Cut off and reserve an inch from the tops of both endives; thinly slice the bottoms of the endives. Mince the chives.
Heat a large pan (nonstick, if you have one) on medium-high until hot. Add the walnuts. Toast, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl. Wipe out the pan.
Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until just shy of al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside in a warm place.
While the pasta cooks, in the same pan used to toast the walnuts, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced bottoms of the endives; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly wilted.
To the pan of endives, add the Gorgonzola cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, toasted walnuts, cooked pasta and half the reserved pasta cooking water; season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until the pasta is thoroughly coated. (If the sauce seems dry, gradually add the remaining pasta cooking water until you achieve your desired consistency.) Remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, combine the tops of the endives, pear and chives. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Divide the finished pasta between 2 dishes. Garnish with the endive, pear and chive salad. Enjoy!
Tips from Home Chefs