STOVE-TOP PASTA AND CHEESE

Stove-Top Pasta and Cheese image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 to 3 slices rustic bread, such as ciabatta, trimmed of crusts and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound spaghetti
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 ounce Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup)
1 ounce sharp cheddar, finely grated (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

Pulse bread in a food processor until coarsely ground (you should have 1 cup). Toast breadcrumbs in a large skillet over medium heat, tossing, until golden and crisp, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and add butter, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain.
Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, both cheeses, cream, and mustard in a bowl.
Return pasta to pot and add egg mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring, until sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with breadcrumbs.