Lemon zest, mint, black pepper and crushed red pepper all punch up the flavors of this vegetarian pasta from Ignacio Mattos of Café Altro Paradiso in New York City. To pair, Thomas Carter suggests the ultra-minerally Pietramarina white, from Benanti on Sicily’s Mount Etna. Slideshow: Spaghetti Recipes
How to Make It
In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the busiate until al dente. Drain, reserving 2 cups of the pasta water. Wipe out the pot.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the brussels sprouts and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the shallots, garlic and 1 tablespoon of the oil and cook until the brussels sprouts are lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in the ricotta, lemon zest and crushed red pepper and season with salt and black pepper.
Return the pasta and pasta water to the pot. Add the brussels sprout mixture, the remaining ¼ cup of oil and the 1/4 cup of mint and toss until a sauce forms, 2 minutes. Garnish with black pepper, pecorino and mint and serve.