Tagliatelle with Mushrooms is a simple yet delicious Italian pasta dish, featuring tagliatelle pasta served with a rich and savory mushroom sauce. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs wonderfully with the creamy, buttery sauce, making it an elegant meal that is quick and easy to prepare. Here’s a recipe for Tagliatelle with Mushrooms:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) fresh or dried tagliatelle pasta
- 1 lb (450g) mixed mushrooms (cremini, button, shiitake, or porcini), sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a creamy sauce)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Tagliatelle:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for fresh pasta or 10-12 minutes for dried pasta, until al dente.
- Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Mushroom Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown. You may need to increase the heat slightly to allow the mushrooms to brown properly.
- If using, pour in the dry white wine and allow it to reduce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will add depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked tagliatelle to the skillet with the mushroom sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the creamy mushroom sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Season and Serve:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve the tagliatelle with mushrooms hot, garnished with chopped fresh thyme or parsley, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Mushroom Varieties: Feel free to mix different kinds of mushrooms for a more complex flavor. Wild mushrooms like shiitake or porcini add an extra depth to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is already vegetarian. However, you can add a handful of spinach or arugula for extra greens and flavor.
- Extra Flavor: A splash of truffle oil or a sprinkle of truffle salt can elevate the dish and make it even more luxurious.
- Make it Richer: For an even richer sauce, add a little extra butter or a dash of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce.
Tagliatelle with Mushrooms is a deliciously creamy and earthy dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of tender pasta, savory mushrooms, and a luscious sauce is sure to satisfy any pasta lover!