FETTUCCINE WITH MORELS, ASPARAGUS, AND GOAT CHEESE

Fettuccine with Morels, Asparagus, and Goat Cheese image

Yield Serves 4 to 6 as a first course

Number Of Ingredients 10

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1/2 cup minced shallot
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 pound fresh morels (available seasonally at specialty produce markets and some supermarkets), washed well, patted dry, and trimmed
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 ounces mild goat cheese such as Montrachet, crumbled (about 1 1/2 cups)
3/4 pound asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and cooked in boiling salted water for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender
1/4 cup minced fresh chives
3/4 pound fettuccine

Steps:

In a heavy skillet cook the shallot in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until it is softened, add the wine, and simmer the mixture until the wine is reduced by half. Add the broth and the morels, sliced crosswise, and simmer the mixture, covered, for 10 minutes, or until the morels are tender. Add the cream and the goat cheese and cook the mixture over low heat, stirring, until the cheese is melted. Stir in the asparagus, the chives, and salt and pepper to taste and keep the sauce warm. In a kettle of boiling salted water cook the fettuccine until it is al dente, drain it well, and in a bowl toss the pasta with the sauce.