Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Savor the comforting flavors of this creamy mushroom pasta, a delightful dish that harmonizes earthy mushrooms with a sumptuous cream sauce. Ideal for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe showcases tender pasta embraced in a velvety sauce, brimming with the robust essence of sautéed garlic, onions, and a diverse array of mushrooms. Garnished with a hint of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, each bite presents a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is sure to captivate your palate. Whether you’re in search of a swift weeknight meal or orchestrating a special dinner, this creamy mushroom pasta guarantees to satiate cravings and enliven spirits with its rustic allure and irresistible smoothness.

Ingredients:

• 225g pasta of your choice. see pasta recipe here
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 450g mushrooms, sliced (you can use a variety such as button, cremini, or shiitake)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 240ml heavy cream
• 120ml chicken or vegetable broth
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, for added spice

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 120ml of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and add optional red pepper flakes for extra spice if desired.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently with the creamy mushroom sauce until well coated.
8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta, and toss once more to combine.
9. Serve the creamy mushroom pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.