Description
A rich and creamy mushroom herb pasta featuring tender sautéed mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a luscious creamy sauce made with half and half and vegetable broth. This comforting vegetarian pasta dish comes together quickly in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Mushroom Herb Sauce
- 8 oz mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups vegetable broth
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/4 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp rubbed sage
- 1/2 cup half and half
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine
Instructions
- Prepare Mushrooms: Wash the mushrooms thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris, then thinly slice them to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions until just al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, remembering it will soften further in the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and tender but avoid browning the garlic or butter.
- Cook Mushrooms and Flour: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they darken and their moisture evaporates. Reduce heat to medium-low, sprinkle in the flour, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the flour coats the pan and turns golden brown.
- Make Sauce: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to dissolve any flour. Add the fresh thyme, rubbed sage, and cracked black pepper. Increase heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cream: Stir in the half and half and gently simmer again until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and additional pepper as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly and heat through on medium-low. Let the pasta absorb some sauce and thicken slightly before serving hot.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to soften once mixed with the sauce.
- For a richer sauce, you can substitute heavy cream for half and half.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor, but dried versions work well if fresh are unavailable.
- Adjust salt carefully since vegetable broth can vary in sodium content.
- This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can be made vegan by substituting butter and half and half with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
