This Truffle Mushroom Cream Pasta is a rich and comforting dish. It features soft pasta tossed in a creamy, mushroom sauce, with a hint of fancy truffle flavor that makes everything taste gourmet!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this restaurant-quality meal at home. Just sauté the mushrooms, mix in cream, and stir it all together. Perfect for cozy nights in! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or tagliatelle are great choices for this dish. If you’re looking for a change, spaghetti or even gluten-free options work well too. Just follow the cooking instructions on the box for the best results!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms are rich in flavor, but you could also use button mushrooms or even shiitake for a more intense taste. If you’re looking for a meatier texture, try adding porcini mushrooms!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luscious feel. If you need a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but it won’t be as rich. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative too!
Truffle Oil: This ingredient adds a lovely gourmet touch. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a drizzle of olive oil mixed with a bit of garlic for a different but delightful flavor.
How Do You Perfectly Sauté Mushrooms Without Making Them Soggy?
Sautéing mushrooms can be tricky since they contain a lot of water. Here’s the scoop on getting them golden brown without the sogginess:
- Use a hot pan to start. Heat your skillet before adding the butter and oil.
- Don’t crowd the mushrooms in the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Leave them alone while they cook! Let them caramelize by not stirring too often.
Once they’re golden, you’ll have a tasty base for your pasta sauce!
Truffle Mushroom Cream Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp truffle oil (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: additional grated Parmesan for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, so you can have a delicious dinner ready in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick yet fancy meal on a busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water to use later. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden and tender. Keep an eye on them, stirring occasionally!
3. Add Garlic:
Once the mushrooms are ready, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for another minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
4. Create the Cream Sauce:
Now it’s time to make the sauce! Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes. You should start to see a difference in the consistency!
5. Mix in Parmesan:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and blends smoothly with the cream. This will give your sauce that delicious cheesy flavor!
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Carefully add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, mix in a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Finish with Truffle Oil:
Drizzle the truffle oil over the pasta and stir gently to distribute the flavor. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the truffle oil based on how pronounced you want the flavor to be!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your rich and creamy Truffle Mushroom Cream Pasta!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will give it a nutty flavor, while gluten-free pasta is a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the package instructions.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch for thickness. For a dairy-free version, opt for coconut cream or cashew cream.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and gently warm it on the stove to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Yes! Feel free to add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrition. For proteins, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would be delicious additions!
