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 for 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 rolling boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Browning the mushrooms: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced mushrooms along with the thyme leaves and sauté until the mushrooms turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced shallot and minced garlic, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes until softened. If using, pour in the white wine now and allow it to reduce slightly.
- Making the cream sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then gently pour the single cream into the pan with the mushrooms. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Finishing the pasta: Whisk the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce until melted and combined. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Toss the cooked tagliatelle into the sauce ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Serving: Sprinkle the chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Divide into bowls and serve immediately with a side of salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute single cream with half-and-half or reduced-fat cream.
- If white wine is unavailable, a splash of vegetable broth can be used as an alternative.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as its starch content helps to create a silky sauce.
- To enhance the flavor, freshly grate Parmesan cheese just before use.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to prevent curdling of the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian