Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta Sauce
Indulge in this rich and creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce, a delectable blend of ingredients that transforms simply boiled pasta into a gourmet experience. This sauce combines velvety textures from Monterey Jack cheese with the earthiness of sautéed mushrooms and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic. Perfect for connoisseurs of comfort food, this sauce clings beautifully to thick pasta shapes like radiatore, mostaccioli, or rotini, making each bite a delightful fusion of flavors. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, it's a dish that’s sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
8 tablespoons (melted, divided)
flour
4 tablespoons (none)
milk
2 cups (none)
Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
canned mushrooms
6 ounces (drained)
garlic cloves
5-8 cloves (pressed)
pasta
8 ounces (boiled)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
2
Gradually add 2 cups of milk to the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Take care not to scorch the mixture.
3
Once thickened, lower the heat and fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir the sauce gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
4
In a separate skillet, melt the additional 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the canned mushrooms (drained) and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to brown slightly.
5
Add the pressed garlic to the mushrooms and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
6
Combine the sautéed mushrooms and garlic with the cheese sauce, stirring well to integrate the flavors.
7
Serve the creamy sauce over your choice of boiled thick pasta, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta Sauce?
It is a rich and velvety sauce featuring Monterey Jack cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh garlic, designed to pair with thick pasta shapes.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for its smooth melting properties.
How many garlic cloves do I need?
The recipe calls for 5 to 8 pressed garlic cloves, depending on your flavor preference.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
Yes, while the recipe specifies 6 ounces of drained canned mushrooms, you can substitute with fresh sliced mushrooms.
What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?
Thick pasta shapes like radiatore, mostaccioli, or rotini are recommended as they hold the creamy sauce well.
How much butter is required in total?
You will need a total of 8 tablespoons of butter, divided into two 4-tablespoon portions.
How do I make the roux for the sauce?
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat and whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
What is the liquid base for this sauce?
The sauce uses 2 cups of milk, added gradually to the roux while whisking.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the drained mushrooms in butter for 2-3 minutes until they begin to brown slightly.
When should I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the pressed garlic after the mushrooms have browned, and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Ensure you only sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes and keep the heat at a level where it becomes fragrant but not brown or black.
How much pasta should I prepare?
The recipe is designed to be served over 8 ounces of boiled thick pasta.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Whole milk provides the creamiest result, but 2% or heavy cream can also be used as substitutes.
Is this pasta sauce vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux and serve the sauce over gluten-free pasta.
How do I ensure the cheese melts smoothly?
Lower the heat before folding in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and stir gently until fully incorporated.
Should I drain the canned mushrooms?
Yes, the mushrooms should be thoroughly drained before adding them to the skillet with butter.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat to begin the roux.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would complement the garlic mushroom flavors perfectly.
How do I avoid scorching the milk?
Whisk the mixture continuously while adding the milk and keep the temperature moderate.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for connoisseurs of comfort food due to its rich and velvety texture.
Can I use pre-shredded Monterey Jack?
While pre-shredded works, freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly into the sauce.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic should be pressed to release its full aromatic potential before being sautéed.
How do I combine the mushrooms and sauce?
Once the cheese sauce is smooth and the mushrooms are sautéed with garlic, simply stir the mushroom mixture into the cheese sauce.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How should I reheat the pasta?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Does this recipe require salt or pepper?
The recipe doesn't explicitly list them, but you can add salt and pepper to taste during the final mixing stage.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as dairy-based sauces can separate and become grainy when thawed.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a saucepan, a whisk, a separate skillet, and a garlic press.
Is this suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, the sauce comes together quickly while the pasta is boiling, making it ideal for busy evenings.