Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy pasta, where perfectly sautéed mushrooms and aromatic garlic create a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This Creamy Mushroom and Garlic Pasta isn't just another dinner recipe – it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this recipe promises to elevate your weeknight cooking from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of fettuccine or linguine pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the mushroom and garlic sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 8 oz of sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Be careful not to overcook the garlic.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the mushrooms and garlic, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce slightly.
- Next, add in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy mushroom and garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency. Continue to toss the pasta until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve the creamy mushroom and garlic pasta immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Mushrooms: Use fresh, firm mushrooms like cremini or white button mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing mushrooms, ensure they have enough space to brown properly. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of developing a golden color.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Add plenty of salt to the boiling water to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silkier sauce and can help adjust the consistency.
- Low and Slow for Garlic: Sauté garlic on low heat to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Fresh Parmesan Makes a Difference: Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the most authentic and rich flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta is best enjoyed right away while it's hot and the sauce is at its most luxurious consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
