This creamy pasta is a real treat with its rich flavors of truffle and mushrooms. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl that makes dinner feel special!
I can’t resist the aroma while it’s cooking! It’s perfect for a date night or just when you want to pamper yourself with comfort food. Add a sprinkle of cheese, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine work perfectly here. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. I love how linguine helps capture the creamy sauce!
Mushrooms: Mixed mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster add depth. If you can’t find them, button mushrooms will work too. I prefer using a variety for a mix of textures and flavors.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luscious texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even cashew cream if you’re dairy-free!
Truffle Oil: A little goes a long way! If you’re out of it, you could use a bit of garlic-infused olive oil for an extra layer of flavor, though it won’t be quite the same.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cream Sauce?
Making the cream sauce can feel tricky, but it’s all about balancing the heat and the timing. Follow these tips for success:
- Cook the mushrooms thoroughly to enhance their flavor before adding cream.
- Let the heavy cream simmer gently; don’t rush it or the sauce may split.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water slowly until you reach the desired consistency.
- Drizzle truffle oil after removing from heat to preserve its flavor.
By following these steps, you’ll have a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta!
Truffle Mushroom Cream Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 350g spaghetti or linguine pasta
For The Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 250g mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, oyster), sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 tbsp truffle oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Truffle Mushroom Cream Pasta will take about 30 minutes from start to finish—just enough time to whip up a quick yet elegant meal! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta, while the sauce comes together in about 15-20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to taste it just before draining! Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the butter is melted and the mixture is shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mixed mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve released their moisture and turned golden brown. This step adds a beautiful flavor to your sauce.
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well to combine everything. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. If you’re in a hurry, you can turn the heat up just a bit, but watch it closely so it doesn’t boil!
5. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If it’s too thick for your liking, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish with Truffle Oil:
Take the skillet off the heat and drizzle the truffle oil over the sauce. Stir gently to blend that wonderful earthy flavor of truffles throughout!
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring each strand is coated in the rich sauce. This is where the magic happens—every bite should be creamy and flavorful!
8. Season and Serve:
Season your pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Divide it among serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your sumptuous, creamy Truffle Mushroom Cream Pasta that will surely impress with its decadent flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and linguine are traditional choices, you can swap in any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free varieties. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, cashew cream or coconut milk can work well, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or spinach for added protein and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is heated through.
