Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Italy with our delightful "Pasta with Morels Garlic Cream" recipe! This dish is a luxurious treat that combines the earthy richness of morel mushrooms with the silky smoothness of garlic-infused cream. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also promises to elevate your culinary skills. Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Read on to discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup morel mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to package instructions, cooking until al dente.
- While the pasta water is heating, clean the morel mushrooms carefully by gently brushing off any dirt. Slice the mushrooms into thin, even pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the sliced morel mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown slightly.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the mushrooms and garlic. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the morel cream sauce.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently mix to combine all ingredients.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, creamy sauce and earthy morel mushrooms.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Morels: For the best flavor, use fresh morel mushrooms if they are available. If not, dried morels can be used, but be sure to rehydrate them in warm water before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. This ensures a perfect texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce's consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Control the Heat: Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing; it should be fragrant and lightly golden. If it turns too brown, it can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Experiment with Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese to the sauce just before serving.
- Pair with Wine: Complement your meal with a glass of white wine, such as a crisp Pinot Grigio or a buttery Chardonnay, to enhance the dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
