Pasta with Mussels and Monterey Jack
2 tsp. olive oil
1 1/2 C. chopped red bell pepper
1 C. chopped green onions
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 C. Chardonnay or other dry white wine
2 lb. mussels, scrubbed and debearded
1/2 C. (2 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 C. half-and-half
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
3 C. chopped spinach
6 C. hot cooked capellini or angel hair (about 12 oz. uncooked pasta)
Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, onions, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add wine and mussels; cover and cook for 5 minutes or until mussels open. Discard any unopened shells. Remove mussels from pan with a slotted spoon; cool. Remove meat from mussels; set aside. Discard shells.
Add the cheese, half-and-half, salt, and black pepper to pan; reduce heat, and cook 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Stir in mussels, and cook for 4 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Combine the mussel mixture, spinach, and pasta, tossing well.
Yield: 5 servings
Serving size: 1 1/2 C.
Calories: 445
Fat: 12.3g
Fiber: 4.2g