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Creamy Garlic Pasta with Tender Mushrooms

Carly
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Creamy Garlic Pasta with Tender Mushrooms: A Restaurant-Style Delight at Home

Creamy Garlic Pasta with Tender Mushrooms

This isn't your average pasta dish. This creamy garlic pasta with tender mushrooms is an explosion of flavor and textures, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a dinner party that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

This recipe makes enough for 4 servings. Here's a list of everything you'll need:

  • Pasta (12 ounces):
    • Fettuccine (recommended)
    • Linguine (recommended)
    • Penne
    • Spaghetti (or your favorite variety)
  • Fat (3 tablespoons total):
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Aromatics:
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Vegetables (1 pound):
    • 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (any variety you like)
  • Creamy Sauce:
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • Seasonings:
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnish:
    • Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step to Creamy Perfection

(Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4)

  1. Pasta Perfection: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and reserve a little bit of the pasta water (about ¼ cup) for later.
  2. Sautéing Symphony: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until fragrant and translucent. Don't rush this step; allowing the aromatics to soften gently releases their full flavor potential.
  3. Mushroom Magic: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll see them release their liquid and shrink slightly as they become tender and beautifully browned.
  4. Flavor Explosion: Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. These seasonings will awaken the flavors of the other ingredients.
  5. Creamy Dreamland: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the sauce simmers, it will thicken slightly, creating a luxurious coating for the pasta.
  6. Parmesan Power: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. The cheese will add a creamy richness and a salty depth to the sauce.
  7. The Grand Finale: Add the cooked pasta back to the skillet and toss gently to coat it evenly with the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  8. Fresh Touch: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color and a touch of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Restaurant-Worthy Results

  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: Remember, pasta continues to cook even after it's drained. Aim for al dente, which means "to the tooth" in Italian. The pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
  • Patience is Key: Don't rush the sautéing process. Take your time to allow the onions and garlic to soften and release their flavor. This will create a more flavorful base for the entire dish.
  • Embrace the Maillard Reaction: Don't overcrowd the pan with the mushrooms. Cook them in batches if necessary to allow them to brown properly. Browning adds a depth of flavor that can't be achieved otherwise.
  • Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a splash of lemon juice for a hint of acidity.
  • Leftovers Reimagined: Leftover creamy garlic pasta can be transformed into a delicious frittata the next day. Simply whisk together some eggs, chopped leftover pasta, and the remaining sauce. Pour the mixture into a skillet and cook until set.

This creamy garlic pasta with tender mushrooms is a delightful

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