Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Bowtie Pasta

A delightful combination of earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy and savory sauce.

Ingredients

1⁄2	pound farfalle or other fun pasta shape
	olive oil
1	quart cremini (or any) mushrooms, sliced
1	garlic clove, minced
	generous pinches red pepper flakes
	salt & pepper
4	fresh baby spinach leaves, rinsed and spun in the salad spinner
2	tablespoons butter
3	anchovies
1⁄2	cup pine nuts, toasted
1⁄2	cup bread crumbs, toasted
1⁄2	cup freshly grated parmesian cheese
1⁄2	teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

• 1. In a large stockpot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is al dente.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large wide saute pan with sides.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook slowly without disturbing until the mushrooms release their liquid and reabsorb it, approximately 10 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook briefly. Push the mushrooms to the side of the pan, then add butter and anchovies to the center. Mash the anchovies into the butter, then stir in the mushrooms.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the mushrooms and anchovies. Toss to combine, then add the fresh spinach. The heat from the pasta will wilt the spinach.
  6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a large shallow serving bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
  7. Mix the pasta, spinach, and mushrooms well, adding pasta water as needed to create a slightly saucy consistency. Transfer to the serving bowl and top with toasted pine nuts, breadcrumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and lemon zest.

Jul 20, 2024