Pappardelle with Portobello Mushroom Sauce

A plate of Pappardelle with Portobello Mushroom Sauce can whisk you away to a cozy Italian trattoria with just one bite. This creamy, earthy delight not only satisfies your hunger but also packs a nutritional punch; mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and have been shown to support immune system health. Imagine the rich aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with the earthiness of mushrooms as you stir this delightful dish—it’s comfort food at its finest.

Pappardelle with Portobello Mushroom Sauce

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This creamy Pappardelle with Portobello Mushroom Sauce is a comforting Italian delight packed with rich flavors and nutrients.

• Author: amanda-miller
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 12 ounces pappardelle pasta
• 10 to 12 ounces portobello mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook pappardelle pasta according to package instructions, salting the water.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. Add sliced portobello mushrooms and cook until browned.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Combine cooked pappardelle with the sauce over low heat.
9. Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge or freeze for up to a month. Reheat slowly, adding a splash of vegetable broth or cream.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Why Making Pappardelle is a Game Changer

If you’ve ever found yourself distressed in the kitchen wondering what to whip up for dinner, this Pappardelle with Portobello Mushroom Sauce is your answer. It’s a dish that delivers elegance and warmth while being surprisingly easy to make. Juggling a busy week doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition; in less than 30 minutes, you can impress your family or treat yourself to an exquisite meal.

Ingredient Lineup

You’ll need the following fresh ingredients to create this fabulous dish:

• 12 ounces pappardelle pasta
• 10 to 12 ounces portobello mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

When selecting your portobello mushrooms, aim for firm specimens with a rich, dark color for the best flavor.

Let’s Cook

Here’s how to bring this dish together effortlessly:

1. Cook pappardelle pasta according to package instructions, salting the water. A salty boil helps the pasta absorb flavor.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. This is crucial for cooking your onions and mushrooms perfectly.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent. You want them soft but not browned, which enhances the sauce’s flavor.
4. Add sliced portobello mushrooms and cook until browned. This intensifies their flavor, creating a deep, hearty base for your sauce.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. This will deglaze the pan and lift all those delicious brown bits.
6. Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken. Keep the heat low; you don’t want the cream to curdle.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Tasting as you go ensures the perfect balance.
8. Combine cooked pappardelle with the sauce over low heat. This allows the noodles to soak up the sauce’s flavors.
9. Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan and fresh basil. A sprinkle of Parmesan brings it all together beautifully.

Nutrition Breakdown

In a serving of Pappardelle with Portobello Mushroom Sauce (about 1 cup), you can expect the following nutrient facts: approximately 550 calories, 15 grams of protein, 60 grams of carbohydrates, 30 grams of fat, and 2 grams of fiber.

With its mix of rich cream and hearty mushrooms, you’ll find that this dish boosts your mood while providing essential nutrients. The mushrooms contribute selenium and B vitamins, crucial for maintaining energy levels throughout your busy day.

How to Serve It Best

Pappardelle with Portobello Mushroom Sauce shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. During the cooler months, consider serving it with a warm, crusty loaf, perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce. And, of course, a glass of your favorite red wine can elevate this dish into a memorable evening.

Keep It Fresh

To store your delicious creation, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. In the fridge, it should stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to a month, just be sure to reheat slowly to maintain the creamy texture. When reheating, stir in a splash of vegetable broth or cream to revitalize the sauce.

Pro Tips

• For a silkier sauce, add a touch of pasta water just before combining the noodles with the sauce; it works wonders!
• Store-bought mushrooms should be used as fresh as possible; avoid ones that look slimy or discolored.
• Finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil for an upscale twist that will make your taste buds sing!
• Experiment with adding cooked spinach or kale into the sauce for extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
• To save time, chop the onions and garlic ahead of time; a little prep goes a long way!

Easy Variations

• Seasonal Twist: Add fresh asparagus or peas in the spring for a pop of color and crunch.
• Gourmet Touch: Swap in wild mushrooms like chanterelles or shiitake for some intricate flavors.
• Playful Option: Mix in a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy surprise that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the dish.

Learn from My Mistakes

1. Overcooking the pasta: Always remember to test the pasta a minute before the suggested cooking time ends; you want it al dente!
2. Too much salt: It’s better to undersalt during cooking and adjust at the end; you can always add but can’t take away!
3. Unbalanced sauce: If your sauce is overly rich, balancing it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the entire dish.
4. Sticky pasta: Don’t forget to toss the cooked pasta in a bit of olive oil if you aren’t serving immediately. This helps keep it from clumping.
5. Mushrooms releasing water: When cooking, don’t overcrowd the pan; give them space to brown properly and develop flavor.

Creative Second-Day Ideas

• Pasta Bake: Combine leftovers with mozzarella, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top, and bake until golden and bubbly for a delightful pasta bake.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the leftover sauce as a filling for roasted bell peppers; it gives an exciting twist to your meal prep!
• Creamy Mushroom Soup: Blitz the leftovers with some vegetable broth and a touch more cream for a quick soup that’s perfect for lunch.

Curious Cooks Ask

Can I make the sauce in advance? Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve it with fresh pasta.

What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of Greek yogurt and vegetable broth, though the texture will be less rich.

How do I keep my mushrooms from getting rubbery? Sauté them until they’re nicely browned and not white; avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they cook evenly and don’t steam.

Is pappardelle the only pasta that works with this sauce? While pappardelle is traditional, feel free to use fettuccine or tagliatelle for similar results!

With these straightforward steps and tips, you’re well on your way to mastering Pappardelle with Portobello Mushroom Sauce. Enjoy the rich flavors, and don’t be surprised when your loved ones ask for seconds!