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To make One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 8 oz (225g) fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced thinly - 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium) - 1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative if desired) - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, if available) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient adds depth and flavor to this dish. The cremini mushrooms give it an earthy taste. The heavy cream makes it rich and smooth. The Parmesan cheese adds a lovely cheesy flavor. Using fresh herbs, like thyme and parsley, enhances the dish. You can find the full recipe in this article to guide you through cooking this delightful meal. 1. Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it turns translucent and fragrant. 3. Next, add minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook this mix for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms brown and become tender. 4. Once the mushrooms are ready, add the penne pasta to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, then sprinkle in the dried thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything until it’s well mixed. 1. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. 2. After it starts to boil, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 10-12 minutes. Stir it occasionally, so the pasta cooks evenly. It should be al dente and most of the liquid should be absorbed. 3. After the pasta is cooked, lower the heat even more. Gradually pour in the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to mix it, creating a rich and creamy sauce. 1. Slowly add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the pot. Stir it until it melts and mixes smoothly into the sauce. 2. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is well blended. 3. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the dish to thicken slightly before serving. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. Enjoy the rich and flavorful experience of making this one-pot creamy mushroom pasta! - Achieving the perfect mushroom sauté: Start by using fresh cremini mushrooms. Slice them thinly for even cooking. Heat olive oil in a pot until it's shimmering. Add the diced onion first, then the garlic. Cook until the onion turns soft. Finally, add the mushrooms. Sauté them until they are golden brown. This step brings out their rich flavor. - How to ensure creamy texture: To keep the sauce creamy, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir it well to coat the pasta. The cheese also helps with creaminess. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results. - Adjusting flavors to taste: Taste your sauce before serving. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or black pepper. You can also add a bit more thyme if you like. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference. - Best dishes to pair with creamy mushroom pasta: This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad. A crisp Caesar salad also works nicely. You can serve it alongside garlic bread for a hearty meal. - Recommended wine pairings: A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements this dish well. If you prefer red, try a light-bodied wine like Pinot Noir. Both enhance the flavors without overpowering them. - Presentation ideas for serving: For a beautiful presentation, serve the pasta in warm bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice touch too. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta. {{image_4}} You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your needs. Here are some ideas: - Pasta alternatives for dietary preferences: If you need gluten-free pasta, try using brown rice or chickpea pasta. They work well and taste great. - Dairy-free options for the creamy sauce: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the dish rich and creamy without dairy. - Adding protein: chicken or shrimp ideas: For extra protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. Just stir them in after you mix in the cream and cheese. To make your dish even more flavorful, consider these tips: - Additional herbs and spices for extra flavor: Try adding fresh basil or oregano. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick. - Incorporating vegetables for color and nutrition: Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers. They not only look good but also boost the dish's nutrition. - Vegan adaptations for the recipe: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. This makes the dish completely plant-based. For the full recipe, you can follow the steps above and enjoy a rich, creamy mushroom pasta that suits your taste. To keep your one-pot creamy mushroom pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool down before sealing it. This helps prevent steam buildup. Place the container in the fridge. This dish stays good for up to three days. When you want to enjoy your pasta again, you can reheat it in two ways. For quick reheating, use the microwave. Place the pasta in a bowl, then add a splash of water or cream. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat it in short bursts until warm. If you prefer the stove, heat a pan over low heat. Add the pasta and a little cream to keep it creamy. Stir often until it’s warm. This method helps keep the sauce smooth and delicious. Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish a day ahead. Cook the pasta and sauce, then cool it. Store in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove. How do I know when the pasta is al dente? Pasta is al dente when it has a firm bite. Test it by tasting a piece a minute or two before the cook time ends. It should not be hard but should have a slight resistance when bitten. What can I serve with one-pot creamy mushroom pasta? This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. You can also serve garlic bread or roasted vegetables on the side for added flavors and textures. Can I freeze the leftover pasta? Yes, you can freeze the leftover pasta. Place it in an airtight container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. What to do if the sauce is too thick? If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. Stir well to combine and heat gently. This will help loosen the sauce back to a creamy state. How to fix overly salty pasta? If your pasta is too salty, add a little more cream. You can also mix in a small amount of unsalted broth. This helps balance the saltiness without losing the dish's flavor. Tips for preventing sticking during cooking To prevent sticking, stir the pasta every few minutes while it cooks. Make sure to use enough liquid, as this helps keep the pasta loose and free from clumping. In this blog post, I covered the ingredients and steps to make a creamy mushroom pasta. You learned how to sauté onions and garlic, brown mushrooms, and create a rich sauce. I shared handy tips for flavor and serving, along with variations and storage advice. Creamy mushroom pasta is a warm dish fit for any meal. Enjoy it your way!

One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Indulge in this One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta that’s perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner! With just a few simple ingredients like fresh cremini mushrooms, penne pasta, and rich Parmesan cheese, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and creamy goodness. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a stress-free meal the whole family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

8 oz (225g) fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced thinly

1 medium yellow onion, diced finely

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium)

1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative if desired)

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, if available)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a spacious pot or a heavy-duty Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

    Increase the flavors by adding the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are beautifully browned and tender, releasing their delicious juices.

      Once the mushrooms are ready, add the penne pasta to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the dried thyme, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

        Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot to let it simmer gently. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

          After the pasta is cooked, lower the heat further and gently pour in the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to combine, creating a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the pasta.

            Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the pot, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, allowing it to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.

              Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit uncovered for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Ladle the creamy mushroom pasta into warm bowls, highlighting its creamy texture. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese on top. For an elegant finish, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the dish before serving to enhance the flavors.