Skillet Pasta with Wilted Mustard Greens

Recipe Author: Conne Ward Cameron

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add bacon and cook until fat begins to render and bacon is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, tossing until coated with oil. Cook, stirring, until mushrooms have browned and bacon has rendered most of its fat, about 5 minutes longer. Stir Read More…

Ingredients:

1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1/4 pound bacon, diced 2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms, woody stems trimmed 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup) 1/2 serrano chile pepper, stemmed and minced 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock 1 pound dried fusilli or other short, twisted pasta Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 bunch mustard greens, stems trimmed and leaves cut into 2-inch pieces (about 4 cups) 2 tablespoons fresh juice from 1 lemon Parmesan, for grating

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add bacon and cook until fat begins to render and bacon is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, tossing until coated with oil. Cook, stirring, until mushrooms have browned and bacon has rendered most of its fat, about 5 minutes longer. Stir in shallots and serrano and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and scrape mixture into a bowl. Set aside.

Add stock to now-empty saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add pasta. Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes less than package instructions, then stir in greens. Cook for 1 minute longer, then stir in bacon mixture, along with all the rendered fat. Cook until the pasta is al dente, greens are wilted, and liquid has mostly evaporated and formed an emulsified, creamy sauce, about 1 minute (if necessary, add water a tablespoon at a time if liquid completely evaporates before pasta is tender).

Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon onto plates and top with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.