Pasta With Mushrooms, Fried Eggs and Herbs

Step 1

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook pasta until it's al dente, 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups pasta water.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Fry until the undersides are golden and crispy and the yolk is still runny, 2 to 4 minutes. Using a spatula, transfer eggs to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the mushrooms and sauté until deeply browned, about 12 to 15 minutes. Add the shallots, garlic, thyme and red-pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute. Season well with salt.

Step 4

Add the pasta to the skillet along with the remaining butter, grated cheese and 1 cup of the pasta water, tossing everything together until the butter melts and the sauce is glossy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the parsley and toss again to combine, adding more of the pasta water as needed to loosen up the sauce.

Step 5

Serve in bowls with a fried egg on top of each portion and scatter with the mint, if using. Pass additional grated cheese at the table and drizzle with a bit more of the olive oil if desired.