GIADA'S FUSILLI WITH PECORINO ROMANO AND BLACK PEPPER

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Giada's Fusilli With Pecorino Romano and Black Pepper image

My daughter and I saw Giada whip this up her show, Giada At Home. My daughter insisted we make it for dinner and boy am I glad we did. We all enjoyed it very much. The smooth and creamy sauce is seasoned perfectly and a bit spicy with pepper. I didn't add any extra salt because the grated cheese tends to add enough salt for me. I cut back on the pepper just a bit but it is necessary so be sure to add it.

Provided by Chicagoland Chef du

Categories     European

Time 20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

kosher salt
1 lb fusilli, ie. plain corkscrew
1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
5 cups baby spinach leaves, chopped (5 ounces)
4 teaspoons fresh ground pepper, divided
salt, to taste
1 1/2 cups grated pecorino romano cheese (6 ounces)
1 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature (8 ounces)
3/4 cup reserved pasta water

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but still firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking liquid, then drain the pasta.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove the garlic and discard. Add the spinach and 2 teaspoons pepper, and cook until the spinach has wilted, about 1 minute.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and add the pasta. Add the Pecorino Romano cheese and 2 teaspoons each salt and pepper, and toss until coated. *I did not add salt.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved cooking liquid and the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Pour over the pasta and toss until coated. Season with salt, if desired.
  • Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and serve.
  • Serve with sliced summer tomatoes and a crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 558.9, Fat 15.4, SaturatedFat 2.2, Sodium 38.8, Carbohydrate 88.5, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 3.2, Protein 16.3

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