As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a bowl of warm, creamy pasta. This Creamy Mushroom Pasta is an autumnal dream—a comforting dish that brings the earthy goodness of mushrooms together with rich, cheesy sauce for a meal you’ll want to make all season long. Bonus? It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough to impress at your next dinner party.
The Magic of Mushrooms and Pasta
Mushrooms have been a culinary favorite for centuries, valued for their earthy flavor and umami richness. King trumpet and brown mushrooms are perfect for this dish, offering a meaty texture and deep flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy, cheesy pasta. In Italy, where pasta reigns supreme, mushroom-based sauces are a fall staple, often featuring local fungi like porcini. This dish takes inspiration from those traditions, adding a modern twist with an infused oil finish.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 8 oz king trumpet mushrooms, sliced
- 8 oz brown mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
- 3 tbsp butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarians)
- 1 cup heavy cream (use cashew or coconut cream for vegans)
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano (or nutritional yeast for vegans)
- 12 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, tagliatelle, or penne work great)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Twist
- Zaza Oil: Cannabis-infused olive oil for a bold finishing drizzle.
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prep the Flavors
Start by chopping the king trumpet and brown mushrooms into slices, dicing the onion, and smashing the garlic. This ensures everything is ready to go for seamless cooking.
2. Sauté Like a Pro
Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove them from the pan and set aside. Add the onions and garlic to the same pan, cooking until softened and fragrant.
3. Deglaze for Depth
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful brown bits. Add the chicken stock (or veggie stock) and let the mixture reduce by half, concentrating those cozy autumn flavors.
4. Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it gently simmer. Add grated Parmigiano Reggiano, stirring until the sauce is thick, velvety, and irresistible. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss It Together
Cook your pasta until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to achieve a silky consistency. Stir in the sautéed mushrooms and an extra sprinkle of cheese for good measure.
6. Finish with Flair
Plate your pasta, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and drizzle with zaza oil if you’re feeling adventurous. The infused oil not only adds a bold twist but also takes the dish to another level of indulgence.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
- Vegan: Swap butter for olive oil, heavy cream for cashew cream, and Parmigiano Reggiano for nutritional yeast.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Seasonal Comfort: Mushrooms and cream are a classic fall pairing.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs.
- Elevated Experience: A drizzle of infused oil adds depth and relaxation to the dish.
Cooking with Infused Oils: Tips and Tricks
- Start Small: If using infused oil, drizzle lightly to control dosage.
- Low Heat: Avoid high heat to preserve cannabinoids in the oil.
- Balance Flavors: Cannabis oil has a bold flavor—pair it with rich dishes like this creamy pasta for harmony.
Dive Into Autumn Bliss
This creamy mushroom pasta is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Perfect for lazy evenings or festive gatherings, it’s a dish that embodies the flavors and vibes of fall. Grab your fork, light a candle, and savor every cozy, creamy bite.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a lemon twist to complete the meal.
Share Your Plate: Post your pasta pics with the hashtag #AutumnPastaVibes and tag us to show off your culinary masterpiece. 🍂🍝
🎥 For a step-by-step demonstration, check out our Instagram video here featuring our chefs in action!
Happy cooking!