Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces dried fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta (or 14 ounces fresh if available)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, and button), cleaned and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with vegetable broth)
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes for dried pasta. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and sauté without stirring for about 3 minutes to allow them to brown nicely.
- Stir the mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until they’re golden and their moisture has evaporated. This step is crucial for developing that rich, deep flavor Mama Lou always emphasized.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine (or broth if not using wine) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This was one of my favorite parts growing up—Mama Lou would say, “That’s where the flavor lives!”
- Stir in the broth, thyme, and heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Give it one last toss, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
