Ziti with Mushrooms, Pancetta & Peas

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely diced pancetta or smoked bacon
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 8 ounces thickly sliced mushrooms
• salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup madeira wine or marsala
• 1/3 cup chicken stock or vegetable stock (low or no-salt, please)
• 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces dried ziti pasta, cooked and drained
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. 1

   You will need a deep saute pan that can hold the sauce, and the pasta.

2. 2

   Have all your ingredients ready to go before beginning to cook.

3. 3

   Heat the oil over medium-high heat and cook the pancetta and onions until the onions are softened.

4. 4

   Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt and pepper and toss to combine.

5. 5

   When the mushrooms have cooked for about 2 minutes, add the thyme and toss.

6. 6

   Let cook another minute, then add the Marsala to the pan and toss with the other ingredients.

7. 7

   Let reduce about half (about 2-3 minutes), then add the chicken stock.

8. 8

   Toss and let this reduce about half (about 2 to 3 minutes).

9. 9

   Add the peas, toss, then the cream, then let this mixture reduce slightly.

10. 10

    Taste, adjust for pepper and salt.

11. 11

    Add the pasta and 1/2 of the cheese to the pan and toss to combine everything thoroughly.

12. 12

    Serve with the remaining cheese.