Creamy Garlic Pasta with Tender Mushrooms: A Restaurant-Style Delight at Home
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flavor Explosion: Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. These seasonings will awaken the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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