This Mushroom Pappardelle is an indulgent treat that blends the earthy richness of sautéed mushrooms with a creamy garlic sauce. The pappardelle, with its wide ribbons of pasta, perfectly absorbs the savory sauce, making each bite a flavorful experience.
The combination of fresh thyme and a splash of white wine brings a touch of elegance to this simple yet satisfying dish. It’s a great choice for a cozy dinner, a weekend meal, or even a quick weeknight treat. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan and enjoy the creamy, mushroom-packed goodness in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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400g pappardelle pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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500g mixed mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup dry white wine
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup vegetable broth
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1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
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Cook pappardelle pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.
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Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the wine has reduced by half.
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Add the heavy cream and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Toss the cooked pappardelle in the creamy mushroom sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
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Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mushroom Pappardelle with Creamy Garlic Sauce
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to a plate of pappardelle pasta topped with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. This Mushroom Pappardelle with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the epitome of cozy, satisfying, and elegant. The combination of wide, silky pasta ribbons with earthy, tender mushrooms cooked in a creamy garlic sauce is a marriage of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a weeknight indulgence, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
The Magic of Pappardelle Pasta
Pappardelle is a traditional Italian pasta that stands out due to its wide, flat ribbons. This shape allows the pasta to hold onto sauces wonderfully, making it the perfect base for rich, creamy dishes like this one. The larger surface area of the pappardelle creates a luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with the delicate cream sauce and meaty mushrooms.
If you’ve ever experienced the joy of homemade pappardelle, you’ll know just how satisfying it is to twirl the wide, smooth ribbons around your fork. Pappardelle’s size and texture make it a perfect vessel for sauces that need to be clinged to and savored, making it the ideal choice for this dish. Whether you use store-bought pappardelle or take the time to craft your own, this pasta will undoubtedly be a highlight of your meal.
The Star Ingredient: Mushrooms
Mushrooms are the star of this dish. The combination of different types of mushrooms – from cremini and shiitake to oyster mushrooms creates a depth of flavor that is both earthy and savory. Mushrooms are an excellent source of umami, which is the fifth taste that enhances the overall flavor of a dish. The earthy notes from the mushrooms complement the richness of the creamy garlic sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Mushrooms also add an incredible texture to this dish. Their tender yet slightly chewy texture contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the pasta, offering a pleasant bite in every forkful. Moreover, mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs. They’re naturally gluten-free, making this dish a great option for those who need to avoid gluten while still enjoying hearty, flavorful meals.
In addition to their flavor, mushrooms are packed with nutrients. They are low in calories but rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin D, selenium, and potassium. These nutrients contribute to the overall health benefits of the dish while maintaining its rich, satisfying taste. Whether you’re cooking for a vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, mushrooms provide the substance and flavor needed to make this dish truly filling.
The Creamy Garlic Sauce
At the heart of this Mushroom Pappardelle is the velvety, creamy garlic sauce. The sauce is rich and comforting, with a perfect balance of garlic, cream, and broth. The garlic infuses the sauce with a subtle pungency, while the cream provides the luxurious richness that makes this dish so indulgent. A touch of white wine adds a layer of acidity that balances the richness of the cream, making every bite harmonious and satisfying.
This garlic sauce is not just a simple addition; it’s the binding agent that brings all the components of the dish together. The sauce clings to the pappardelle, enveloping the pasta in its creamy goodness. It also helps the mushrooms shine, as the creamy base allows their flavors to meld beautifully. The thyme leaves offer a delicate herby finish that adds a touch of freshness to the dish, providing the perfect contrast to the richness of the sauce.
The sauce itself is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. For a lighter version, you can swap out some of the heavy cream for low-fat alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream. If you prefer a more decadent sauce, you can add a little more butter or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness. The key is to find the balance that works best for your taste while still keeping the sauce luxuriously creamy and flavorful.
Perfect for Special Occasions and Weeknight Meals
This Mushroom Pappardelle with Creamy Garlic Sauce strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. It’s a dish that can easily impress guests at a dinner party or make for a romantic date night meal, but it’s also straightforward enough to be whipped up for a comforting weeknight dinner. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a versatile option for a variety of occasions.
If you’re looking to make this dish even more special, consider pairing it with a side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. For a more indulgent experience, serve it with a glass of dry white wine that will complement the wine in the sauce. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a light dessert, like a citrus sorbet or a rich tiramisu, depending on your mood.
The versatility of Mushroom Pappardelle means it can be enjoyed year-round, whether you’re craving something warming on a chilly fall evening or a lighter meal during spring. It’s also great for meal prepping or making ahead. The flavors meld together even better the next day, making leftovers an even more delightful experience.
Customizing the Dish
One of the great things about this Mushroom Pappardelle is how easily it can be customized. While the dish is absolutely delicious as it is, there are several ways you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. If you’re not a fan of certain types of mushrooms, feel free to use your favorite varieties. Portobello mushrooms, for example, would add a meaty texture, while wild mushrooms would provide a more earthy flavor.
For a more robust flavor, you can add a splash of truffle oil to the sauce, giving it an elevated, luxurious twist. If you’re looking for an extra protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to the dish. For a vegan version, simply substitute the cream for a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese.
If you want to add a bit more texture or freshness to the dish, try tossing in some sautéed spinach, peas, or even roasted cherry tomatoes. These additions can help balance the richness of the sauce while adding more color and nutrition to the dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to make it your own with just a few simple tweaks.
Conclusion
Mushroom Pappardelle with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a dish that will satisfy your cravings for rich, comforting food while offering a touch of elegance. With its silky pasta, earthy mushrooms, and velvety garlic sauce, it’s a recipe that’s both indulgent and versatile. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a cozy meal for two, or simply indulging in a weeknight treat, this dish is sure to impress. Its flavor profile is well-balanced, and its creamy texture will have you coming back for seconds. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something comforting yet refined, look no further than this Mushroom Pappardelle with Creamy Garlic Sauce it’s the perfect recipe to bring a little taste of Italy to your table.
By tweaking this dish to suit your tastes or dietary preferences, you can make it your own, ensuring it remains a staple in your kitchen for years to come.