Whole Wheat Penne with Mushrooms, Kale, and Hazelnut Gravy Recipe

Whole Wheat Penne with Mushrooms, Kale, and Hazelnut Gravy Recipe

  • Salt
  • 1 (1 pound) package whole-wheat penne pasta
  • 3 tablespoons dried porcini mushrooms
  • 2 cups chicken, vegetable or mushroom broth
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 4 portobello mushroom caps, halved and thinly sliced
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg (eyeball it)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped peeled hazelnuts
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.
  2. While the pasta is working, in a small saucepan, soften the dried mushrooms in the broth over low heat.
  3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, over medium heat. Add the portobellos, shallots and garlic and cook until tender, 6 minutes. Add the kale, cover the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and the nutmeg and toss.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the porcinis to a cutting board and chop, then add to the kale mixture. Pour the porcini broth into a bowl or cup, discarding any grit at the bottom of the pan; set aside. Wipe out the pan, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the hazelnuts and rosemary and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour on top and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the reserved porcini broth and cook until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Toss the pasta with the kale mixture and gravy; season with salt and pepper.