Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a comforting yet elegant dish, Mushroom Fettuccine is a perfect choice. This creamy pasta dish combines rich flavors of sautéed mushrooms and garlic with a luscious sauce, making it an excellent option for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that impresses your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1/2 cup butter, divided
2 cloves fresh minced garlic, or a pinch of garlic salt
16 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms (more if you love mushrooms!)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 pound fettuccine
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup reserved pasta water
1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
Parsley for topping
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
To prepare this delightful Mushroom Fettuccine, begin by cleaning the mushrooms thoroughly. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Next, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, sautéing until the mushrooms turn soft and develop a deep brown color, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
Once the mushrooms are nicely sautéed, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the remaining butter. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat until the butter melts and the sauce is well combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and fresh ground black pepper to your taste.
While your sauce is simmering, cook the fettuccine in a large pot according to the package directions. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. After draining the fettuccine, return it to the pot and add the mushroom sauce. Toss everything together with tongs until well combined.
To finish, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt and pepper.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy a bowl of this creamy, savory Mushroom Fettuccine that’s sure to satisfy your pasta cravings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Clean the mushrooms.
2. Melt Butter
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat.
3. Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until the mushrooms are soft and have a deep brown color, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Simmer over low heat until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.
5. Season the Sauce
Season the sauce with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
6. Cook Fettuccine
While the sauce is simmering, cook the fettuccine in a large pot according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
7. Drain Fettuccine
Drain the fettuccine and return it to the pot.
8. Combine Sauce and Pasta
Add the mushroom sauce to the hot fettuccine in the pot. Toss with tongs to mix thoroughly.
9. Add Cheese and Pasta Water
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
10. Adjust Seasoning
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
11. Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference.
• You can substitute fettuccine with other pasta types if desired.
• If you love mushrooms, feel free to add more than 16 ounces.
• Be cautious with the amount of reserved pasta water; add it gradually.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat over medium to high heat. In this recipe, the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms are sautéed together until the mushrooms become soft and browned, which enhances their flavor and texture.
Simmering
Simmering is the gentle cooking of food in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. In this recipe, the heavy whipping cream and butter are simmered together to create a rich sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together without curdling.
Mixing
Mixing is the process of combining ingredients to achieve a uniform consistency. In this case, the mushroom sauce is mixed with cooked fettuccine to ensure every pasta strand is coated with the creamy sauce.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the art of adding finishing touches to a dish to enhance its appearance and flavor. Fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese are used to garnish the Mushroom Fettuccine, providing visual appeal as well as a burst of flavor.
FAQ
Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried mushrooms. However, be sure to rehydrate them in warm water before using, and adjust the quantity since dried mushrooms are more concentrated in flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
You can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter, though the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but ensure the Parmesan cheese is made without rennet if you want it to be strictly vegetarian.
How can I make the dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free fettuccine or a gluten-free pasta of your choice.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Just reheat it gently and add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up before mixing it with the pasta.
Conclusion
This creamy mushroom fettuccine is a delightful combination of rich flavors, making it a perfect comfort meal. The sautéed mushrooms and garlic create a savory base, while the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese add a luscious texture, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to impress.
Vegetable Variations
Incorporate additional vegetables such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus for added texture and flavor.
Protein Additions
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed sausage to enhance the dish’s protein content and make it even heartier.
Herbal Enhancements
Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary to elevate the flavors of the creamy sauce.
Different Pasta Options
Try substituting fettuccine with other pasta types, such as penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta for variety.
Cheese Variations
Explore different cheeses such as goat cheese, feta, or a mixture of Italian cheeses for a unique twist on the classic dish.
