Who would have ever thought that you could boost your immune system with pasta of all foods? Typically this is one of those dishes that you want to consume more on the sparing side, but the fact that this specific recipe is loaded with foods that have been shown to help boost your immune system–garlic, peppers, mushrooms, tomato, pecans, chicken, and black pepper–makes it a favorite of mine (especially during cold, flu, and recently, COVID season). Mark your calendars some night this week to pour yourself a glass of wine, turn on some music, and test out this yummy Italian immune building fettuccine.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Pecans (chopped)
- Cayenne Pepper
- 6 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Clove Garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1 Pinch Fresh Rosemary (chopped)
- 1 Large Pinches of Crushed Red Pepper
- 2 Cups Mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 Cup Chicken or Vegetable Stock
- 8 Ounces Fettuccine Pasta
- ½ Cup Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese (plus more for serving)
And Here’s What You’ll Do:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Season pecans with cayenne and salt.
- In a large saucepan, combine oil and garlic over high heat. When garlic starts to lightly brown, add rosemary, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Add mushrooms and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and cook for 30 seconds. Add chicken stock and reduce for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- Drop pasta into boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cupful of pasta cooking water, then drain and add pasta to sauce.
- Return the saucepan to high heat and cook, tossing pasta with sauce, for 1 minute. Add cheese and toss again, adding some pasta cooking water to loosen, if needed. Garnish with more cheese and the chopped pecans.
Whether you decide to make this pasta for a date night, or as the main course to a family meal, you can be sure of two things: first, positive reviews are sure to come your way, and second, you know that you’re going to be helping enhance your loved one’s health. Win-win.
Bon appetit!
– LW
LIFE WITH LW 