Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce for Pasta?
It is a rich, umami-flavored sauce made with fresh mushrooms, scallions, and Parmesan cheese, designed to elevate pasta dishes like penne or gnocchi.
What makes this mushroom sauce lighter than traditional recipes?
This recipe uses evaporated milk instead of traditional heavy cream to achieve a creamy texture without the usual heaviness.
What types of pasta work best with this sauce?
Penne, shells, and pillowy gnocchi are highly recommended for this savory mushroom sauce.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: fresh mushrooms, unsalted butter, scallions, dried thyme, chicken stock, evaporated milk, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
How should I clean the fresh mushrooms?
You should wipe off any dirt with a damp paper towel rather than washing them under running water.
What is the first step in cooking the sauce?
The first step is to melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until it becomes foamy.
How long should I sauté the scallions?
The minced scallions should be sautéed for about 3 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
How long do the mushrooms need to cook?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms for about 4 minutes until they are tender and start releasing their juices.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh mushrooms, which can include various wild or domestic varieties.
How much evaporated milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of evaporated milk.
When do I add the chicken stock?
Add the chicken stock after the mushrooms have become tender and allow it to simmer for about 4 minutes.
What is the purpose of the chicken stock?
The chicken stock is simmered and reduced to add depth of flavor to the sauce base.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How long does the sauce take to thicken once the milk is added?
It takes about 4-5 minutes of cooking over medium-low heat for the sauce to thicken slightly.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, making it suitable for a fast and comforting dinner.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The sauce contains 6.25g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this mushroom sauce?
There are 5g of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this dish?
The sauce contains 18.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use this sauce for gnocchi?
Absolutely, the sauce is described as being perfect for coating pillowy gnocchi.
What seasoning is used in this recipe?
The recipe is seasoned with 1/8 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How do I incorporate the Parmesan cheese?
Blend the grated Parmesan into the sauce at the end, stirring until it is completely melted.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically recommends using unsalted butter.
How many scallions do I need?
You will need 1/4 cup of minced scallions.
Does this sauce have an umami flavor?
Yes, the combination of mushrooms and Parmesan cheese creates a rich umami profile.
When should I toss the pasta with the sauce?
Remove the skillet from the heat first, then toss your cooked pasta or gnocchi into the sauce until well coated.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
While tagged as vegetarian, it contains chicken stock; to make it strictly vegetarian, you should substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
What is the serving suggestion for this sauce?
It should be served immediately after tossing with your favorite cooked pasta for the best texture.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
The recipe calls for dried thyme, but you can use fresh; generally, you would use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.