Hay and Straw is a comforting and simple pasta dish that brings together the flavors of both spinach and egg noodles, creating a visually striking and delicious meal. The dish gets its name from the green spinach noodles representing the “hay” and the yellow egg noodles as the “straw.” Combined with a rich, creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a touch of garlic, this dish is enhanced by the addition of peas and crispy pancetta, adding both texture and flavor. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party, Hay and Straw is a versatile recipe that can be easily prepared and is sure to delight everyone with its classic, comforting flavors.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spinach fettuccine noodles (hay)
- 8 oz egg fettuccine noodles (straw)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add both the spinach and egg fettuccine noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the pot. Drain the pasta and peas, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook the Pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta or bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pancetta from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the black pepper and season with salt to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, peas, and crispy pancetta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the Hay and Straw pasta among serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy this Hay and Straw pasta as a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Its creamy sauce, combined with the rich taste of pancetta and the freshness of peas, makes it a satisfying dish that’s sure to please!
