Linguine with Pears, Prosciutto and Blue Cheese

Seems like this is the week for me to make dishes inspired by other food bloggers. This dish was inspired by the Penne with Roasted Pears & Goat Cheese on A Nod is as Good as a Wink to a Blind Horse.

Oh, was this a fabulous light meal. The blend of flavors is wonderful; sweet roasted pears, tangy blue cheese & balsamic & salty prosciutto. Then there is the mix of creamy, chewy & crunchy textures. Other than using linguine instead of penne, our main changes were to add the prosciutto & change the goat cheese to blue (just because we had some on hand).

This is the kind of dish that makes me feel like we need a new category on this site called "Fabulous but Easy." I would totally serve this at a dinner party & I think guest would be impressed by it but it really takes almost no effort at all.

Linguine with Pears, Prosciutto & Blue Cheese
(adapted from A Nod is as Good as a Wink to a Blind Horse)

1 Bosc Pear, cored & cut into wedges
2 T olive oil
4 slices prosciutto, roughly chopped
4 - 5 oz whole wheat linguine (I messed up & only used 2.5 oz when I made it & it was still filling so if you are trying to cut back on pasta use less in this)
3/4 T balsamic vinegar
dash of lemon juice
handful of baby spinach
1 oz blue cheese
chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Put the pears into a roasting pan. Add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil & stir to coat. Put in the oven & roast for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile cook the linguine according to directions.

Mix the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar & lemon juice together. Set aside.

When the pears have roasted for ten minutes, add the prosciutto to the pan & return to the oven for another 5 minutes. Remove from the oven & cut the pear wedges in half.

Drain the pasta & return to the pan. Stir in the oil/vinegar mixture & spinach. Add the pears & prosciutto. Divide between two plates. Top with cheese & walnuts.

2 Servings

By the way, our thought are with George from A Wink is as Good as a Nod... whose mother is having major surgery. He's being a good son by helping her out right now instead of bringing us new recipes.

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