Tremendous Creamy Mushroom Pasta Feast

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Introduction:
Tremendous Creamy Mushroom Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender pasta with rich, earthy mushrooms in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this pasta dish is easy to prepare yet elegant enough for special occasions. With its deep umami flavor and velvety texture, it’s a feast for mushroom lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike!

Ingredients (For 4-6 Servings):

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb (450g) mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, button, or portobello), sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
  • ½ cup white wine (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
  • Extra Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for topping
  • Truffle oil (for extra richness)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  1. Sauté the Mushrooms:
  • While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
  1. Deglaze the Pan (Optional):
  • If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces by half.
  1. Make the Cream Sauce:
  • Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  1. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce.
  • Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
  1. Garnish and Serve:
  • Once the pasta is fully coated and the sauce is creamy and smooth, remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
  • Serve hot with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor.

Tips for Success:

  • Mushroom variety: Use a mix of mushrooms for a deeper, more complex flavor. Shiitake, cremini, and porcini mushrooms all add rich umami notes.
  • Creamy consistency: To keep the sauce silky, add pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches the right balance of creaminess.
  • Cook pasta al dente: Make sure the pasta is slightly firm when bitten, as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce.

Recommendation:

This Tremendous Creamy Mushroom Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. For a more decadent meal, serve it with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. Perfect for a vegetarian main dish or a side to grilled chicken or steak, this pasta feast is sure to impress!

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