Ingredients
Pasta
- 500 g tagliatelle pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
Mushroom Sauce
- 250 g brown mushrooms, sliced
- 2 sprigs thyme, leaves picked
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 3 tbsp white wine (optional)
- 300 ml single cream (heavy cream in North America)
- 25 g parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving)
- 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, juice only
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Browning the Mushrooms: While the pasta cooks, wash and slice the mushrooms. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme leaves. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced shallot and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until softened. If using, pour in the white wine and let it reduce slightly.
- Making the Cream Sauce: Pour the single cream into the pan with the mushrooms and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken, stirring occasionally. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency. Whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked tagliatelle to the pan with the cream sauce and mushrooms. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serving: Divide the creamy mushroom tagliatelle between serving bowls. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, ideally alongside a fresh salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- White wine is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute single cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best texture and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to maintain its bright color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian