Step-by-Step Guide: Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Mushroom pasta is a classic comfort food that’s both rich and flavorful. This step-by-step guide will walk you through making a creamy garlic mushroom pasta, perfect for a cozy dinner. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 500g mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms work well)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Instructions:
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water.
- Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Image Description: A pot of boiling water with pasta being stirred in, steam rising from the pot.
Step 2: Preparing the Mushrooms
Instructions:
- While the pasta is cooking, clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt.
- Slice the mushrooms evenly, so they cook uniformly.
Image Description: A variety of sliced mushrooms laid out on a cutting board, ready for cooking.
Step 3: Sautéing the Garlic and Onion
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Image Description: Garlic and onions sizzling in a skillet, turning golden and releasing a delicious aroma.
Step 4: Cooking the Mushrooms
Instructions:
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the sautéed garlic and onion.
- Cook the mushrooms for about 7-10 minutes, or until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Image Description: Mushrooms in a skillet, turning golden brown as they cook, with steam rising.
Step 5: Creating the Creamy Sauce
Instructions:
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Image Description: A creamy sauce being stirred in a skillet, with mushrooms evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Combining Pasta with the Sauce
Instructions:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushroom cream sauce.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Image Description: Pasta being mixed with creamy mushroom sauce in a skillet, the sauce clinging to each piece of pasta.
Step 7: Garnishing and Serving
Instructions:
- Once the pasta is fully coated in the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the pasta in bowls or on plates, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Image Description: A serving of creamy garlic mushroom pasta on a plate, garnished with parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy garlic mushroom pasta with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Image Description: A complete dinner setup with a plate of creamy mushroom pasta, garlic bread on the side, and a fresh green salad.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic mushroom pasta is an easy yet impressive dish that brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms with a rich, velvety sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy your cooking and dining experience!