Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish, featuring tender pasta coated in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fancy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound (450 g) mushrooms (cremini, button, or mixed), sliced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional) or vegetable/chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and softened, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the chopped onion (if using) and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are soft.

3. Deglaze with Wine (Optional):

• If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half. This adds depth to the sauce. You can substitute with broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

4. Add Cream and Cheese:

• Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the sauce with more salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the mushroom sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve:

• Garnish the pasta with fresh chopped parsley or thyme and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Tips:

• You can add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
• For a deeper mushroom flavor, consider using a mix of wild mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, or porcini.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option without cream, you can use a vegetable broth base and stir in some ricotta or a dairy-free alternative at the end.

Enjoy your Mushroom Pasta, a delicious and satisfying dish packed with umami flavor!