Name: Tremendously Creamy Mushroom Pasta Feast
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite): The base of the dish, providing texture and a hearty component.; 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the mushrooms to perfection.; 2 tbsp butter: Enhances the flavor and adds a creamy mouthfeel to the sauce.; 1 lb mushrooms (cremini/button), sliced: The star ingredient, offering a savory and earthy flavor that elevates the dish.; 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic flavor, balancing the earthiness of the mushrooms.; 1/2 cup white wine (optional): Adds depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. For a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute with vegetable broth.; 1 cup heavy cream: The essential component that creates the creamy texture of the sauce.; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and a salty flavor that ties the dish together.; 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried): Offers a hint of herbal freshness. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or basil.; Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.; Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Description

Indulge in a rich and creamy mushroom pasta that’s incredibly satisfying. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking comfort and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite): The base of the dish, providing texture and a hearty component.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the mushrooms to perfection.
2 tbsp butter: Enhances the flavor and adds a creamy mouthfeel to the sauce.
1 lb mushrooms (cremini/button), sliced: The star ingredient, offering a savory and earthy flavor that elevates the dish.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic flavor, balancing the earthiness of the mushrooms.
1/2 cup white wine (optional): Adds depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. For a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute with vegetable broth.
1 cup heavy cream: The essential component that creates the creamy texture of the sauce.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and a salty flavor that ties the dish together.
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried): Offers a hint of herbal freshness. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or basil.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 12 oz of your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tbsp of olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter. Once the butter has melted, add 1 lb of sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 6-8 minutes until the mushrooms are golden brown and have released their moisture.
Add Garlic: Add 4 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If you choose to use it, pour in 1/2 cup of white wine, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it has reduced by half.
Add the Cream: Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 tsp of fresh thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Incorporate the Cheese: Mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well-combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Allow it to heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional cheese if desired. Enjoy your irresistibly creamy mushroom delight!