Are you craving a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This creamy shallot and mushroom pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with umami flavor, thanks to the earthy mushrooms and sweet shallots, all tied together with a luscious creamy sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a quick and healthy meal. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this delicious and satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
This simple pasta dish uses readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a quick and healthy dinner.
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, tagliatelle, or linguine work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create this creamy and flavorful pasta masterpiece.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Shallots and Mushrooms: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until softened and slightly translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Add Garlic and Wine (Optional): Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. If omitting the wine, proceed directly to the next step.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When sautéing the shallots and mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will help them brown properly and prevent them from steaming.
- Taste and adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly.
- Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste.
Variations:
- Add protein: Chicken, shrimp, or sausage would be delicious additions to this recipe.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of white wine and add some spinach or kale at the end.
- Change the cheese: Try using different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 500-600 (depending on pasta type and cheese amount) Fat: 30-40g Protein: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This creamy shallot and mushroom pasta is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!