Hearty Wild Mushroom and Leek Spaghetti
Indulge in the rich, earthy flavors of this Hearty Wild Mushroom and Leek Spaghetti, perfect for a comforting meal. This dish features whole wheat spaghetti tossed with an aromatic medley of fresh mushrooms, caramelized leeks, and garlic, all brought together in a luscious white wine cream sauce. Garnished with a sprinkle of pecorino romano cheese, this recipe delivers a satisfying depth of flavor that will leave you longing for more. Inspired by Rachael Ray's 'Big Orange Cookbook,' it’s the ideal dish for mushroom lovers and those seeking a wholesome yet decadent dining experience.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
to taste (For seasoning the pasta water and the sauce)
Whole Wheat Spaghetti
1/4 lb (Cooked al dente)
Mixed Mushrooms
1/3 lb (Wiped clean and thinly sliced)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup (For sautéing)
Leek
1 (Halved lengthwise, sliced, and washed to remove grit)
Garlic Cloves
2-4 (Finely chopped)
Black Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Fresh Thyme Leaves
1 tablespoon (Finely chopped)
Dry White Wine
1/2 cup (For deglazing and flavor)
Heavy Cream
2-4 tablespoons (To create a rich sauce)
Pecorino Romano Cheese
to garnish (Grated for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually around 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the mushrooms by wiping them clean with a damp towel, discarding any woody stems. Slice the mushrooms thinly.
3
In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for 7-8 minutes until they become tender and develop a golden color.
4
For the leeks, halve them lengthwise, trim the tough tops and root end, and slice thinly. Soak the leeks in a bowl of cold water, swishing to remove any grit. Let them sit for a minute, then scoop out and dry on a clean towel, discarding the gritty water.
5
Add the prepared leeks and chopped garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the leeks soften.
6
Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to simmer for about 30 seconds to reduce slightly. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream until heated through and well combined.
7
Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the mushroom mixture. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the spaghetti. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.
8
Plate the spaghetti, garnishing each serving with freshly grated pecorino romano cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Wild Mushroom and Leek Spaghetti?
It is a comforting pasta dish featuring whole wheat spaghetti, a variety of wild mushrooms, caramelized leeks, and a savory white wine cream sauce.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for whole wheat spaghetti, which adds a nutty flavor and more fiber to the dish.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes, while whole wheat spaghetti is suggested, you can use regular spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This specific recipe is scaled to provide 1 serving.
What inspired this mushroom spaghetti recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Rachael Ray's 'Big Orange Cookbook'.
How should I clean the wild mushrooms?
Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp towel and discard any woody stems instead of soaking them in water.
What is the best way to clean leeks?
Halve them lengthwise, slice them, and soak them in a bowl of cold water to let the grit sink to the bottom.
How long do the mushrooms need to sauté?
Sauté the mushrooms for 7-8 minutes until they are tender and golden brown.
What kind of wine should be used for the sauce?
A dry white wine is best for deglazing the pan and adding depth to the cream sauce.
Can I substitute the white wine?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the wine with a splash of vegetable broth.
What herb is used to season the mushrooms and leeks?
Fresh thyme leaves are used to provide an earthy, aromatic flavor.
What type of cream is used in the sauce?
Heavy cream is used to create a rich and luscious texture.
What cheese is used for garnish?
The dish is garnished with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
How do I know when the spaghetti is done?
The spaghetti should be cooked until 'al dente,' which usually takes about 8 minutes.
Why should I reserve some pasta water?
Reserved pasta water can be added to the skillet to help the sauce coat the spaghetti more evenly.
What are the main aromatics in this dish?
The main aromatics are leeks and finely chopped garlic cloves.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses mushrooms and cheese rather than meat.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, but use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely chopped before being added to the skillet.
What should I do after adding the white wine?
Allow the wine to simmer for about 30 seconds to reduce slightly before adding the cream.
What does 'al dente' mean?
'Al dente' describes pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, bringing a pot of salted water to a boil is essential for seasoning the pasta from the inside out.
What is the role of Pecorino Romano in this dish?
It adds a salty, tangy finish that complements the earthy mushrooms and sweet leeks.
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Absolutely; a mix of cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms works very well.
How do I prevent the leeks from being gritty?
By swishing the sliced leeks in cold water and scooping them out, leaving the dirt at the bottom of the bowl.
Is this a heavy or light meal?
It is described as a hearty and decadent meal due to the heavy cream and mushrooms.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, spinach or kale would be great additions to this mushroom and leek base.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it immediately while hot, topped with plenty of grated cheese.
Does this recipe contain many ingredients?
The recipe uses 11 main ingredients, making it relatively simple to prepare.