How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta

In this guide, we will walk you through a delicious and creamy mushroom pasta recipe that is perfect for a cozy dinner. This dish is sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike. Let's dive into the steps of making this tasty meal.

Ingredients

• 16 oz (450 g) fusilli or another pasta of your choice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz (227 g) button mushrooms, sliced
• 4 oz (115 g) shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 oz (85 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water for later use as needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up olive oil. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add sliced button mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms to the pan. Cook for another 5-6 minutes or until they are browned and tender.
3. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half along with thyme and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer gently while stirring occasionally, about 5 more minutes so that flavors meld together nicely.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add drained pasta back into the skillet containing the mushroom sauce.
2. Mix well to ensure each piece of pasta is coated evenly with the creamy mushroom sauce. If desired consistency isn't achieved, add some reserved pasta water gradually until it reaches your preference.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Gently stir in grated Parmesan cheese into the hot pasta mixture.
2. Serve immediately garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy mushroom pasta!

Cooking Time & Servings Information

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings and takes around 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking time for the pasta. It's a quick yet satisfying dish that can be prepared in less than an hour from start to finish.

Feel free to adjust ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions such as using a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream if you're vegan or lactose intolerant.

Tips for Success

• Ensure all vegetables are finely chopped so they cook evenly and quickly.
• Don't skimp on the quality of mushrooms; better-quality produce results in a more flavorful dish.
• To enhance flavor further, you could consider adding other herbs like rosemary or sage when sautéing onions and garlic at the beginning.

Conclusion

Creamy mushroom pasta is not only rich in taste but also packed with nutrients thanks to its ingredients such as mushrooms which are known for their health benefits. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal during colder months or simply want something different from your usual weeknight dinners, this recipe offers variety and satisfaction.