Pasta with mushrooms and garlic is a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the rich flavors of mushrooms and the aromatic kick of garlic. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make this flavorful pasta:
Pasta with Mushrooms and Garlic
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) mushrooms (such as cremini, button, or a mix), sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1/4 cup white wine or vegetable broth (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a vegetarian version)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions:
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Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Sauté Mushrooms: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown and tender, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Add Garlic: Add the garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
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Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine or vegetable broth, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Toss to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce if needed.
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Season and Garnish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using), fresh parsley, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a touch of brightness.
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Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
This pasta dish is quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can also add other ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a protein like grilled chicken or tofu if you’d like to customize it further. Enjoy!
