The little church that our family attends is holding its annual major fundraiser, once again in a few weeks. You are probably wondering why we are writing about it here on Platter Talk. Let me explain. Our pastor and friend Paola is a native daughter of Italia. You might recall that we mentioned her a time or two last year when we covered this same event here on Platter Talk. Still, that doesn't answer the question. Maybe this does: Authentic Italian Food. That's what it's all about for Viva Italia and guess who puts it all together. Our friend and the pastor of the church, Paola. This multi-course Italian dinner features food from Paola's heart via her hands and kitchen. We are starting out this year's Viva Italia coverage by this mouthwatering Conchigliette al forno, shells from the oven.
We talked a little bit about the lady behind this food last year when we featured her delicious Italian Savory Pies, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Risotto al Pomodoro, hand rolled Gnocci, and a Baked Polenta dressed with Four Cheeses. This post is featuring a warm and heavenly pasta baked in an understated tone of creamy Gorgonzola and other cheeses, along with portabella mushrooms and sage. Truly, mouthwatering fare.
Enjoying Paola's food is never a challenge, getting her to transcribe her recipes into words has been another story. It isn't that she doesn't want to share the secrets to her creations, not at all. The real issue: Paola never uses a recipe. In fact, it seems that once some time ago, I may have had to explain to her that "some" people like to follow a written plan when putting things together in the kitchen. I also recall the wide-eyed look from her indicating she had had no idea what I was talking about.
Thankfully for those of us who do use a recipe now and then, Paola is a quick study. She whipped the directions out for this dish like an old pro and I think you will be happy to know there are more authentic Italian recipes just around the corner and rest assured, all of them are equally appealing as these wonderful shells from the oven. Interested in attending this evening filled with incredibly delicious authentic fare? Email us for more information. Viva Italia!
Conchigliette al forno (Baked Shells)
Ingredients
- 6 ounces portabella mushrooms cleaned and trimmed
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup white wine
- One cup of Chicken broth
- 2 cups finely shredded radicchio
- 2 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- ½ cup coarsely shredded fontina
- ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola
- 2 teaspoons mascarpone cheese
- 6 leaves fresh sage chopped
- 1 pound conchigliette rigate pasta shells
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Slice the mushrooms about ¼-inch thick. Heat 6 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet; add the mushrooms and ¼ teaspoon salt. Saute over medium heat, add half cup of dry white wine stirring frequently, add one cup of chicken broth until they are cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mushrooms, radicchio, cream, cheeses, sage.
- Parboil the pasta shells for 4 minutes; drain and add to the ingredients in the mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
- Divide the pasta mixture among 6 to 8 individual, shallow, ceramic gratin dishes (1 ½ to 2 cup capacity). Dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and bake until bubbly and brown on top, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh Italian parsley, but do not cook the parsley in the pasta.
Joanne T Ferguson
G'day! Looks great from here Dan and hope you finger is heaps better! Thanks for sharing at our #SayGdayParty!
Please remember to stop back if you haven't already and say G'day to the hosts and someone else at the party!
Cheers! Joanne @ What's On The List Pinned!
Diane Balch
Your combination of cheeses is heavenly. Bring this by Weekend Bites today... please.
Leslie
I love all things pasta! yum! I've pinned these for later. Hopefully I can stick them into the meal plan. I'm stopping by from the link up & I hope your having a great day!
Dan from Platter Talk
I hope you give this a try. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Linda (Meal Planning Maven)
What a beautiful meal! Perfectly suited for weeknights as well as a special company dinner.
Aunt Bee
This is SENSATIONAL! I especially love the mushrooms and all of that cheese! Yum!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
This looks so great! LOVE the addition of the radicchio. Must try!
2 Sisters Recipes by Anna and Liz
Wonderful recipe boys! LOve all the ingredients in this pasta dish. Have a great weekend!
Kecia
This is just a beautiful dish. I don't really enjoy mushrooms, but I must say... this is making me rethink that.
Dan from Platter Talk
Kecia, This one is a keeper for sure, hope you give it a try!
Patty Haxton Anderson
Simple, elegant and delicious food is what I see here.
Dan from Platter Talk
Patty, That pretty much says it all! Thanks so much for the great comments.
Carol at Wild Goose Tea
I am salivating at all the wonderful cheeses! I also don't use Portabella mushrooms enough. They are so easy to buy, I have no excuse. This gives good ol' mac and cheese in all it's variations a run for its money.
Dan from Platter Talk
Thanks, for your comments Carol!