Creamy Porcini Mushroom Pasta
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Creamy Porcini Mushroom Pasta, a delightful dish that perfectly combines earthy dried porcini mushrooms with a luscious cream sauce, accentuated by the sweetness of marsala wine. This recipe is straightforward yet delivers a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two, it's a delicious way to enjoy whole wheat pasta while relishing the depth of flavor from the mushrooms and aromatic rosemary. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated parmesan for a heavenly finish that will impress your guests or loved ones!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried porcini mushrooms
1 (ounces, broken into pieces)
Butter
2 (tablespoons)
Onion
1 (small, diced)
Dried rosemary
1/2 (teaspoon, chopped)
Marsala wine
1/4 (cup)
Tomato paste
1 (tablespoon)
Heavy cream
1 (cup)
Fresh parsley
1 (tablespoon, chopped)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Whole wheat pasta
1/2 (pound)
Parmesan cheese
1/4-1/2 (cup, grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by breaking each dried porcini mushroom into 2 or 3 pieces and place them in a bowl. Soak the mushrooms in 1 cup of hot water for at least 20 minutes to rehydrate them.
2
In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and chopped dried rosemary, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Pour in the marsala wine and allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate and the flavors meld.
4
Carefully drain the soaked mushrooms using a coffee filter or several layers of paper towels, reserving the soaking liquid. Add the reserved 1/2 cup of mushroom water, rehydrated mushrooms, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the saucepan with the sautéed onion mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 5-7 minutes.
5
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh parsley into the mushroom sauce and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently while you prepare the pasta.
6
Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and add it directly to the mushroom sauce in the saucepan.
7
Toss the pasta with the mushroom sauce until all noodles are evenly coated. Finally, add in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and blends beautifully into the sauce.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Porcini Mushroom Pasta?
It is a rich and earthy pasta dish made with rehydrated dried porcini mushrooms, Marsala wine, and a savory cream sauce served over whole wheat pasta.
How do I rehydrate the dried porcini mushrooms?
Break each mushroom into 2 or 3 pieces and soak them in 1 cup of hot water for at least 20 minutes.
Should I keep the mushroom soaking liquid?
Yes, you should reserve 1/2 cup of the filtered soaking liquid to add back into the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
How do I properly drain the mushroom water?
Carefully drain the liquid through a coffee filter or several layers of paper towels to remove any grit or sediment.
What type of wine is best for this recipe?
Marsala wine is used to provide a specific sweetness and complexity that complements the earthy mushrooms.
Can I substitute the Marsala wine?
You can use dry sherry or a dry white wine, though the flavor profile will differ slightly from the original recipe.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of whole wheat pasta, which adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with mushrooms.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish as it uses mushrooms, butter, cream, and cheese as its primary components.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
Sauté the diced onion and chopped dried rosemary in butter for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
What does the tomato paste do in this sauce?
One tablespoon of tomato paste adds a touch of acidity and umami richness without making the sauce taste like tomato.
When do I add the heavy cream?
Stir in the heavy cream and fresh parsley after the mushroom and wine mixture has simmered for 5-7 minutes.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe is specifically portioned to serve two people, making it ideal for a cozy dinner.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but check it a minute early to ensure it remains firm to the bite before adding it to the sauce.
How much parmesan cheese should I add?
You can add between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese depending on your preference for creaminess and saltiness.
Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh rosemary; however, use about double the amount (1 teaspoon) as fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
Why do I break the mushrooms before soaking?
Breaking them into smaller pieces ensures they rehydrate more quickly and are easy to distribute throughout the pasta.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be less thick and indulgent. Be careful not to let half-and-half boil rapidly as it may curdle.
How should I serve the dish?
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley and additional grated parmesan cheese.
Can I use fresh porcini mushrooms instead?
Yes, but you will lose the intense flavor of the soaking liquid. If using fresh, sauté them directly with the onions.
What if I don't have a coffee filter to strain the liquid?
You can use a very fine-mesh sieve or several layers of cheesecloth to remove the grit from the mushroom water.
Is there a substitute for dried rosemary?
Dried thyme or sage can work as substitutes, as they both pair well with the earthy flavors of mushrooms.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat the pasta without it drying out?
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace butter with olive oil, use a vegan heavy cream alternative (like cashew cream), and use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan.
Does the alcohol in the Marsala wine cook off?
Yes, allowing the wine to cook for 2 minutes before adding the other liquids helps the alcohol to evaporate.
Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?
Fresh spinach or sautéed peas would be excellent additions to this creamy mushroom sauce.
What type of onion is best to use?
A small yellow or white onion is best for its mild sweetness once sautéed.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this dish is not spicy. It relies on savory and earthy flavors. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
Can I use other dried mushrooms?
Yes, you can use dried shiitake or a mix of wild dried mushrooms, though the flavor will change slightly.
Why is the sauce simmered on low heat after adding cream?
Lowering the heat prevents the cream from boiling over or separating while you wait for the pasta to finish cooking.