Homemade Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Looking for a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a family meal or served on a special occasion? Homemade pasta with a creamy mushroom sauce is just the recipe you need! This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers an array of nutrients essential for health. Let's dive into how to prepare this delightful pasta in our kitchen.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of pasta (preferably fettuccine or tagliatelle)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 300 grams of mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Add salt to the boiling water and then add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta thoroughly.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and stir occasionally while cooking them down until they start releasing their juices. This process will take about 10 minutes; keep an eye on it so you don’t burn your veggies!

Step 4: Combine with Cream & Sauce

Mix in the heavy cream along with some salt and pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer until thickened slightly, which typically takes around 10 minutes.

Step 5: Mix Pasta and Mushroom Sauce

Once your pasta has been drained and your mushroom sauce is ready, combine the two in the pan over low heat. Stir gently so that each strand of pasta gets coated with the creamy mushroom mixture. If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Optional Additions:

• Basil leaves can be added at the end to give a fresh burst of aroma and color
• For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or nutritional yeast
• Pesto can also be stirred into the sauce for added depth of flavor

Cooking Tips:

• To ensure perfect pasta, always cook it slightly underdone as it will continue to cook when mixed with other ingredients.
• Use fresh mushrooms whenever possible; they contribute significantly more umami flavor than dried varieties.
• The creaminess of the sauce comes from heavy cream. You can substitute half and half if you want a lighter version.

Eating Suggestions:

1. Pair this dish with some fresh green salad for balance on your plate.
2. A simple side of garlic bread melts wonderfully into the sauce.
3. This pasta is also excellent alongside a light Caesar salad or a green vegetable like asparagus.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: Approximately 600 per serving (based on 4 servings)

Fat Content: Contains healthy fats from olive oil and cream.

Protein Content: Provides quality protein from the pasta and mushrooms.

Vitamins & Minerals: Offers a good source of B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and various antioxidants present in both the mushrooms and Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion:

Homemade pasta with creamy mushroom sauce is a versatile, delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. With its rich flavors and easy preparation method, this recipe serves as an excellent addition to any meal plan. Whether you're hosting friends over or just looking for something comforting after a long day at work, this dish delivers satisfaction both in terms of taste and nutrition.