Description
Mushroom lovers will adore this Creamy Mushroom Delight pasta, a soulful Italian-inspired dish packed with rich, earthy flavors. Silky sauce and tender mushrooms combine perfectly, promising a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Gently cleanse mushrooms with a damp cloth, removing debris. Slice uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and aesthetic appeal.
- Sautéing Base: Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Introduce shallots, cooking until they become translucent and delicately soft.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Add minced garlic, allowing its fragrant essence to permeate the cooking environment for about one minute.
- Mushroom Transformation: Add sliced mushrooms, stirring occasionally. Cook until they release moisture and develop a rich, golden-brown caramelization, intensifying their earthy character.
- Liquid Integration: Pour broth into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and reduce, concentrating the sauce’s depth and complexity. Incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Flavor Refinement: Integrate Parmesan cheese, letting it melt completely and contribute a velvety texture. Season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to elevate the dish’s overall taste profile.
- Finishing Touch: Continue simmering until the sauce reaches optimal thickness and ingredients meld harmoniously. Garnish with chopped parsley for a vibrant visual and flavor accent, then serve alongside pasta, rice, or your preferred protein.
Notes
- Mushroom Cleaning Technique: Use a soft, slightly damp cloth instead of rinsing to prevent mushrooms from absorbing excess water and becoming soggy during cooking.
- Uniform Slicing Strategy: Cut mushrooms into consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming overcooked or undercooked.
- Temperature Control Mastery: Maintain medium heat to develop rich golden-brown color without burning shallots, garlic, or mushrooms, which can create bitter undertones.
- Sauce Consistency Secret: Simmer sauce slowly and stir continuously to prevent cream from separating and to create a smooth, luxurious texture that coats ingredients perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg