Indulge in Comfort with Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Craving a comforting and indulgent meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this irresistible Mushroom Pasta recipe. With its creamy sauce, hearty mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this Mushroom Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces fettuccine
- 16 ounces white button, cremini, or Portobello mushrooms, sliced ½ inch thick
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup beef broth
- 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ⅔ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they are golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour the beef broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh thyme, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the mushroom sauce.
- Toss the pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano cheese over the pasta and toss until it is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
6. Serve:
- Transfer the Mushroom Pasta to serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
7. Enjoy!
- Serve the Mushroom Pasta immediately, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness with your favorite crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to the pasta.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the beef broth and use vegetable broth instead to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Creamy Alternative: Substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto-Friendly Option:
- Replace the fettuccine with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative.
- Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy whipping cream to reduce the carb content of the sauce.
- Serve the Mushroom Pasta over cauliflower rice for a satisfying keto-friendly meal.
Low-Carb Twist:
- Skip the pasta altogether and serve the creamy mushroom sauce over sautéed spinach or cauliflower florets for a low-carb option.
- Use grated cauliflower or shirataki noodles as a substitute for traditional pasta to keep the carb count low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use different types of mushrooms? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, or porcini, to add depth of flavor to the dish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While this pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove and toss it with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Q: How can I make this dish more kid-friendly? A: If your little ones are picky eaters, you can finely chop the mushrooms or purée the sauce to disguise the mushrooms and make the dish more appealing to children.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: While pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Elevate your pasta game with this Creamy Mushroom Pasta recipe that’s bursting with flavor and richness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its velvety sauce and hearty mushrooms. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this delectable pasta in no time. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every creamy bite of this mouthwatering Mushroom Pasta. Bon appétit!
