Mezzelune Pasta With Peas and Shiitake Mushrooms

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Bring a saucepan of generously salted water to a boil. Blanch spinach briefly, about 15 seconds, then plunge into an ice bath. Drain, squeeze dry, and chop finely.

2. Step 2

   Put ricotta in a mixing bowl and add Parmesan, chopped spinach, lemon zest, nutmeg and mint. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.

3. Step 3

   Roll pasta dough into thin sheets. Using a sharp cookie cutter, punch out 3-inch rounds; you should have about 36 pieces. Dust lightly with semolina flour, then cover with a clean, damp kitchen towel to keep them from drying out. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle with semolina.

4. Step 4

   Working in batches, fill 6 pasta rounds at a time: Lay pasta flat on a work surface and place about a tablespoon of filling in the center of each round. With a pastry brush or finger, moisten outer edge sparingly with water and fold over to make a half-moon, pressing to seal. Transfer to baking sheet. Continue until all rounds are filled. Dust tops lightly with semolina and store, uncovered in the refrigerator, until ready to cook.

5. Step 5

   Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for pasta.

6. Step 6

   Put a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and the shiitakes. Season with salt and sauté quickly until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Remove mushrooms from pan and set aside. Add 2 more tablespoons butter to pan. When it sizzles, add peas and scallions and a little salt and pepper. Add ½ cup water and cook uncovered for about 3 minutes. Return mushrooms to pan and turn off heat.

7. Step 7

   Meanwhile, cook the pasta: Drop mezzelune in boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove with a spider or slotted spoon and transfer to a warm platter. Reheat peas and mushrooms and pour over the pasta. Garnish with chives.