Description
This creamy mushroom pasta is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. The combination of earthy mushrooms, a creamy sauce, and pasta makes for a perfect meal, ideal for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 12 oz (340 g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Extra grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
4. Add the Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken, about 3-4 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when cooking the mushrooms or swap out the heavy cream for sour cream for a tangy twist.
- Feel free to add protein to the dish, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the broth is vegetable-based and skip any meat options.