Waterford Pasta: A Taste of the Emerald Isle

My earliest memories of pasta are not of delicate strands tossed in vibrant tomato sauces, but rather of something far more rustic and comforting, something that spoke of hearty meals shared after a brisk walk along the windswept coast. This Waterford Pasta recipe, a dish whispered to me by a seasoned cook from the Claddagh, carries that same essence. It’s a dish that doesn’t demand pretension; it simply asks to be enjoyed, its rich, savory notes a perfect embodiment of simple, honest cooking. The aroma of the melting cheeses and the subtle hint of lobster butter, mingling with the tender chicken and vegetables, instantly transports me back to those simpler times, evoking a feeling of warmth and pure culinary contentment.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Gluten, and Meat

Ingredients

This recipe calls for a carefully selected ensemble of ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its distinctive flavor profile.

• 1 ounce butter (no substitutions)
• 2 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ½ ounces red bell pepper, diced
• 4 ounces chicken, grilled, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 9 ounces pasta, cooked (any shape you prefer, but a medium pasta like penne or farfalle works beautifully)
• 3 ounces chicken stock
• 3 ounces lobster-flavored butter (store-bought or homemade Lobster Butter – Beurre De Homard)
• 2 ounces asiago cheese, grated
• 1 ounce goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 dash basil, fresh, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

While this dish is straightforward, a few essential kitchen tools will make the process smoother:

• A 12-inch saute pan
• A knife and cutting board for preparing vegetables and chicken
• Measuring spoons and cups
• A serving bowl

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to bring the magic of Waterford Pasta to your table. The key is to build the flavors layer by layer, allowing each component to shine.

1. Begin by placing the 1 ounce of butter in a 12-inch saute pan and heating it over medium heat. You want the butter to be shimmering, but not browned.
2. Once the butter is hot, add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. Sauté them for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly.
3. Next, add the diced red bell pepper and the grilled chicken pieces to the pan. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the contents of the pan.
4. Continue to cook for another minute, allowing the vegetables and chicken to meld with the initial flavors.
5. Pour in the 9 ounces of cooked pasta and the 3 ounces of chicken stock. Simmer the mixture gently, stirring frequently, until the pasta is heated through and has absorbed some of the liquid. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
6. Now, add the 3 ounces of lobster-flavored butter and the 2 ounces of grated asiago cheese. Toss everything together continuously until the lobster butter has completely melted and the asiago cheese has formed a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and other ingredients.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture from the saute pan into a serving bowl.
8. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top of the pasta. Garnish with a dash of fresh chopped basil.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Waterford Pasta from good to truly exceptional, consider these culinary insights:

• Butter Quality Matters: Since butter is a foundational element here, opt for a good quality unsalted butter. Its richness will be a key player in the final sauce.
• Doneness of Vegetables: The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Sautéing them for the specified time ensures they retain a pleasant bite and vibrant color.
• Pasta Texture: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente before adding it to the pan. It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, and you don’t want it to become overcooked and clumpy.
• Lobster Butter Nuance: If you can’t find pre-made lobster butter, you can infuse butter yourself by gently heating butter with lobster shells and aromatics. However, for this recipe’s simplicity, a good store-bought version is perfectly acceptable and convenient.
• Cheese Melting: For the asiago cheese, ensure the heat is moderate when it’s added. Overheating can cause it to become stringy or greasy. Toss continuously until it melts into a smooth emulsion.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Waterford Pasta is best served immediately, allowing the warmth and creamy texture to be at their peak.

• Serving: Present the dish directly from the serving bowl, ensuring each portion receives a good distribution of chicken, vegetables, and pasta, topped with the crumbled goat cheese and fresh basil. A light drizzle of olive oil or a crack of black pepper can be added at the table if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to mop up any lingering sauce.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Avoid microwaving, as it can sometimes make the pasta gummy.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of Waterford Pasta.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	520.8 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	29 g	44%
Saturated Fat	17 g	85%
Cholesterol	80.1 mg	26%
Sodium	248.4 mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	50.5 g	16%
Dietary Fiber	2.7 g	10%
Sugars	2.5 g	10%
Protein	14.8 g	29%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe stands proudly on its own, feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your palate:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and increase the quantity of mushrooms and bell peppers. You could also add other vegetables like broccoli florets, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
• Spice It Up: For a hint of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper in step 3.
• Herb Variations: While basil is traditional, fresh parsley or chives would also be delicious garnishes.
• Cheese Play: If asiago cheese is unavailable, Parmesan Reggiano or Pecorino Romano can be used as substitutes. For a milder flavor, a good quality sharp cheddar could also work, though it will alter the classic taste profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What type of pasta is best for Waterford Pasta?
A: Medium-sized pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle hold the sauce well and provide a satisfying texture. However, you can use your favorite type of cooked pasta.

Q: Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of dried?
A: Yes, absolutely. This recipe is designed for fresh mushrooms. The quantities provided are for fresh.

Q: Is lobster-flavored butter essential for this dish?
A: The lobster butter adds a unique richness and depth of flavor that is characteristic of this dish. While you could use plain butter, the result will be less distinctive.

Q: How can I make this dish richer?
A: For an even richer sauce, you could whisk in a tablespoon of heavy cream along with the lobster butter and asiago cheese in step 6.

Q: Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
A: Yes, the chicken can be grilled and cut in advance, and the vegetables can be prepped. However, it’s best to cook and assemble the pasta dish just before serving for optimal texture.

Final Thoughts

Waterford Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable. I encourage you to embrace the straightforward nature of this recipe and allow its comforting flavors to envelop you. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones on a chilly evening or enjoying a quiet moment of culinary delight, this dish is sure to become a cherished addition to your repertoire. Serve it with a glass of dry white wine or a crisp lager to perfectly complement its savory profile. Enjoy every delicious bite!