Description
Hearty “Creamy Mushroom” pasta promises a delectable Italian-inspired comfort meal that whisks diners through rustic countryside kitchens. Rich umami flavors and silky sauce invite passionate cooks to savor each luxurious forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Transform mushrooms into a golden delicacy by heating olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce sliced mushrooms and allow them to caramelize for several minutes, stirring intermittently until rich brown colors emerge and excess moisture disappears.
- Incorporate aromatic elements by adding finely chopped onions and gently sautéing until translucent and soft. Introduce minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence for a brief moment.
- Enhance depth of flavor by deglazing the pan with chicken or vegetable broth, carefully scraping accumulated caramelized remnants from the skillet’s surface. Enable liquid to gently simmer and condense, concentrating the robust mushroom essence.
- Craft a luxurious sauce by reducing heat and streaming heavy cream into the mushroom mixture. Allow the liquid to gently thicken while stirring consistently. Introduce grated Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme, permitting the ingredients to meld and create a velvety texture.
- Elevate the dish’s final profile by seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, balancing the flavors precisely. Optional garnish of fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch. Serve immediately atop your preferred accompaniment like pasta, protein, or rice.
Notes
- Choose cremini or wild mushrooms for deeper, more complex flavors that elevate the dish’s richness.
- Slice mushrooms evenly to ensure uniform cooking and consistent golden-brown texture.
- Pat mushrooms dry before sautéing to prevent excess moisture and achieve better caramelization.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for a more intense, authentic flavor profile.
- Experiment with alternative dairy options like coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version.
- Fresh thyme provides a brighter, more aromatic herb essence compared to dried alternatives.
- Control heat carefully during sauce simmering to prevent cream from separating or burning.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add a splash of white wine during deglazing to introduce subtle acidic undertones.
- Enhance protein absorption by pairing with lean proteins like chicken or tofu.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg