Lemon Poppy Fettuccine

Aired on: April 20, 2012

Ingredients

1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 large pinch saffron threads
2 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tablespoons butter
2 large shallots, minced
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 pound egg tagliatelle
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Yields: 4

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Place stock in small pot with saffron over low heat to warm.

Heat EVOO, 2 turns of pan, in large skillet over medium heat with butter. When butter foams, add shallots and season with salt and pepper. Stir 2-3 minutes; add lemon zest, garlic and poppy seeds, and stir 1-2 minutes. Deglaze with wine and reduce until almost evaporated. Add warm saffron stock and cream, let reduce while pasta cooks.

Cook pasta in salted boiling water to al dente. Reserve half a cup of starchy water and drain pasta. Toss with sauce, using reserved water as needed to incorporate the cheese and sauce into a thick coating on pasta. Add lemon juice and parsley; adjust salt and pepper. Serve.