Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked quinoa pasta, draped in a rich, velvety tomato mushroom sauce that promises to tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your weeknight dining experience. This isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a gluten-free, nutrient-packed culinary adventure that combines the earthy richness of mushrooms with the vibrant brightness of tomato sauce, creating a dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz quinoa pasta
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add quinoa pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
- Pour tomato sauce into the skillet with mushrooms and onions. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Drain the cooked quinoa pasta using a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with tomato mushroom sauce. Gently toss to coat pasta evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously – this is your first chance to build flavor into the dish.
- Don't overcook the quinoa pasta; aim for al dente to maintain the best texture.
- Use fresh mushrooms for the most robust flavor, and make sure to cook them until they're golden brown to maximize their umami potential.
- Reserve a little pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid can help you adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Fresh basil is not just a garnish – it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce while it simmers.
- If you want to make this dish even more nutritious, try adding some spinach or kale to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
