Beefy Sicilian Mushroom Fusilli with Chive Cream Sauce

Step 1

Before starting, wash and dry all produce. Add 10 cups water and 2 tsp salt to a large pot (use the same for 4 ppl.) Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. While water boils, halve tomatoes. Thinly slice mushrooms. Zest, then juice half the lemon (whole lemon for 4 ppl). Cut any remaining lemon into wedges. Thinly slice chives.

Step 2

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. When hot, add 1 tbsp oil (dbl for 4 ppl), then mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5-6 min. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer mushrooms to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

While mushrooms cook, add fusilli to the pot of boiling water. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 9-11 min.

Step 4

Heat the same large non-stick pan (from step over medium-high. When hot, add 1/2 tbsp oil (dbl for 4 ppl), then beef and Italian Seasoning. Cook, breaking up beef into smaller pieces, until no pink remains, 4-5 min.** Season with salt and pepper. Remove pan from heat, then using a slotted spoon, carefully drain and discard excess fat. Add sour cream, broth concentrate, mushrooms, lemon juice, 1/4 tsp lemon zest (dbl for 4 ppl), tomatoes and half the chives. Return the pan to medium-low. Cook, stirring often, until sauce thickens slightly, 1-2 min.

Step 5

When fusilli is tender, reserve 1/4 cup pasta water (dbl for 4 ppl), then drain and return to same pot, off heat. Add 2 tbsp butter (dbl for 4 ppl), the reserved pasta water and spinach. Stir until butter is melted and spinach is wilted, 1 min.

Step 6

Divide pasta between bowls. Top with beef and creamy chive sauce mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan and remaining chives over top. Squeeze over a lemon wedge, if desired.