SPICY MUSSELS WITH MUSCLE AND LINGUINI

Spicy Mussels with Muscle and Linguini image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound linguini
Salt
3 tablespoons EVOO
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 ounces 'nduja OR 8 ounces hot Italian sausage, cut from casing
1/2 cup red vermouth or red wine
2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
2 pounds mussels, cleaned and de-bearded, discard any open mussels
A fat handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 small lemon, halved

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to boil for pasta. Once the pasta water is at full rolling boil, season it liberally with salt and cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions.
Meanwhile, heat a large pot or skillet with a lid over medium-high heat with EVOO, 3 turns of the pan. Add garlic and swirl a minute. Add dollops of 'nduja and melt it down (or add the sausage and brown and crumble). Add vermouth or wine and stir a minute. Add tomatoes, oregano and mussels and cover. Cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, to open shells and combine flavors. Uncover.
Drain pasta and toss with sauce and mussels, 1 minute. Add parsley, lemon and salt to taste.