FUSILLI WITH PEA PESTO AND SMOKED MOZZARELLA

Fusilli with Pea Pesto and Smoked Mozzarella image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

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Kosher salt
1 pound fusilli pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup dry white wine, such as pinot grigio
2 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
4 ounces smoked mozzarella, rind removed, grated (1 cup)
1 packed cup baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, from 1/2 a large lemon
Zest of 1 large lemon
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted, coarsely chopped

Steps:

For the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Place the drained pasta in a large bowl. Add the cheese and toss until coated.
For the pesto: In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and cool slightly.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the peas, smoked mozzarella, spinach, Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and the cooked shallot mixture. Blend until smooth, but still slightly chunky.
Pour the pesto over the pasta and toss until coated, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle with the toasted almonds and serve.