Introduction
Pasta dishes are a beloved staple in many kitchens around the world, easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. This recipe showcases a delightful combination of pasta and garlic butter mushrooms, creating a dish that is rich in flavor and texture. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this pasta recipe is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cups
200g / 7 oz short pasta like orecchiette, penne, or macaroni
160g / 6 oz long pasta – spaghetti or fettuccine
Garlic Butter Mushrooms for Pasta
400g / 14 oz mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cm / 1/5″ thick
50g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter, separated
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (or 1/4 cup store-bought grated)
To Serve
Parsley, finely chopped
Parmesan cheese, grated
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
2 generous servings
To prepare this delicious pasta, begin by boiling salted water for your choice of pasta. As the pasta cooks, sauté fresh mushrooms in garlic butter to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the mushrooms and finishing touches, serve hot, and enjoy! This dish is versatile too; feel free to add herbs like thyme or a dash of cream for extra indulgence. Don’t forget the garnish of fresh parsley and parmesan for that gourmet touch. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
PASTA
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta into the pot when you begin cooking the mushrooms. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by one minute. Before draining, reserve one mugful of the pasta cooking liquid. Drain the pasta once cooked.
MUSHROOMS
In a large skillet, melt half of the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the water from the mushrooms has leached and evaporated, allowing the mushrooms to turn golden around the edges, approximately five minutes. Halfway through cooking, season the mushrooms with salt and pepper.
Now, add the minced garlic and the remaining butter to the skillet. Cook for an additional two minutes, or until both the mushrooms and garlic are golden.
COMBINE AND SERVE
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with about 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and the freshly grated parmesan. Toss everything gently until the water reduces and thickens into a saucy glaze that coats the pasta. If the pasta appears too dry, add more reserved pasta water. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
1. Pasta
When using short pasta like orecchiette, you may need slightly more for an equivalent serving size. Orecchiette, shaped like mini bowls, are readily available at major supermarkets in Australia at similar prices to more common pastas. They are particularly suitable for mushroom pasta as they scoop the pasta well.
2. Mushrooms
Any type of slicable mushroom works well for this dish. Button mushrooms are great, but Swiss Brown or Cremini mushrooms enhance the flavor even further.
3. Variations
Thyme pairs excellently with this pasta, as mushrooms and thyme complement each other perfectly. For a more indulgent version, you might add a splash of cream to the mushrooms, although it’s not essential.
4. Butter
The recipe provides a range for butter quantities because more butter often leads to better flavor. The minimum required is 2 tablespoons of butter combined with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the pasta from becoming dry. There’s no need for precise measurements; you can eye-ball it.
5. Reheating
Pasta tends to dry out when stored overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat effectively, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. When ready to reheat, sprinkle the cold pasta with 2 tablespoons of the reserved water, then microwave it, tossing well afterwards to restore moisture.
6. Nutrition
The nutritional values are based on two generous servings.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions, reducing the cooking time by one minute. Reserve a mugful of pasta cooking liquid before draining.
Sautéing Mushrooms
In a large skillet, melt half the butter and all the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to turn golden, which takes about five minutes. Season with salt and pepper halfway through.
Enhancing Flavor
Once the mushrooms are golden, add the minced garlic and the remaining butter. Cook for an additional two minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the mushrooms are evenly coated.
Combining Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms, then pour in about 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the liquid reduces and forms a glaze that coats the pasta.
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the pasta mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed before serving.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like orecchiette or penne is great, but long pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine can also be used effectively.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, any slicable mushrooms can be used. Button mushrooms or Swiss Brown/Cremini varieties work particularly well.
Is it possible to add cream to the dish?
Absolutely! Adding a splash of cream can make the dish more indulgent, although it’s not necessary.
How can I prevent the pasta from drying out when reheating?
Reserve some pasta cooking water before refrigerating. When reheating, sprinkle the pasta with a bit of the reserved water and microwave, tossing well afterward.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
Conclusion
This delicious garlic butter mushroom pasta combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with rich butter and garlic, delivering a comforting dish that’s easy to make. Whether you opt for short or long pasta, the result is a satisfying meal that can be customized with fresh herbs or a splash of cream. Enjoy the delightful textures and flavors, garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Thyme and Cream Variation
Add fresh thyme and a splash of cream to elevate the dish with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Sausage Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Try combining the mushroom pasta with sautéed sausage and a creamy tomato sauce for a heartier meal.
Spinach and Ricotta Addition
Incorporate fresh spinach and ricotta cheese into the pasta for added creaminess and nutritional value.
Chili Flakes for Heat
Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick that complements the garlic and mushrooms beautifully.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
Top the pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost and added texture.
Nutty Pesto Finish
Drizzle some nutty basil pesto over the finished dish for a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Mixed Wild Mushrooms
Experiment with a mix of wild mushrooms for a variety of flavors and textures in your dish.
