Morel Mushroom Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love mushrooms, you’re going to adore Morel Mushroom Pasta. Morels are prized for their nutty, umami flavor, and they elevate any dish they’re a part of. Paired with a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish offers a satisfying balance of flavors. The creamy sauce coats each bite of pasta and enhances the earthy flavors of the morel mushrooms, making this dish an indulgent yet comforting meal that’s perfect for mushroom lovers.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, pappardelle, or spaghetti work best)

• 1 cup fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with vegetable broth)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the morel mushrooms and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and softened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
   Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Deglaze the Pan:
   Pour in the white wine (or vegetable broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine cook down for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.

5. Add the Cream and Parmesan:
   Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Combine with Pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. If the sauce needs thinning, add a little more pasta water until it reaches the perfect creamy consistency.

7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the skillet from heat and serve the pasta in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh pop of flavor. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free cream substitute and vegan Parmesan to make this dish vegan-friendly.

• Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to the pasta.

• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for a different flavor profile. Fresh thyme works especially well with morel mushrooms.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that complements the earthy mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Morel Mushroom Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a bit of milk or cream when reheating.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use dried morel mushrooms instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried morel mushrooms if fresh ones aren’t available. To rehydrate them, soak the dried mushrooms in warm water for about 20-30 minutes. Drain and chop them before adding them to the recipe. Be sure to save the soaking liquid as it can be used as a flavorful addition to the sauce.

What other mushrooms can I use if I can’t find morels?

If morel mushrooms are unavailable, you can substitute them with other wild mushrooms like chanterelles, porcini, or shiitake. Each variety has its own flavor, but they will still provide a lovely, earthy base for the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and reheat the sauce in a skillet before combining.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream?

Yes, you can use coconut cream, almond milk, or cashew cream to replace the heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but the dish will still be creamy and delicious.

Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even a splash of water. The wine adds a subtle depth of flavor, but the dish will still be tasty without it.

What is the best pasta to use with this dish?

Wide pasta such as fettuccine, pappardelle, or tagliatelle works best as it allows the creamy sauce to coat the noodles evenly. However, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or penne.

Can I freeze this dish?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce may separate upon freezing and reheating. However, you can freeze the sauce and pasta separately, and reheat them together on the stovetop. You may need to add extra cream or water to bring the sauce back to the right consistency.

Conclusion

Morel Mushroom Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that brings out the best of seasonal mushrooms with a creamy, indulgent sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish will impress with its depth of flavor and comforting textures. Easy to make and adaptable to your preferences, Morel Mushroom Pasta is a perfect way to enjoy the earthy richness of morel mushrooms.

Morel Mushroom Pasta

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Morel Mushroom Pasta is a luxurious dish that combines the deep, savory flavor of morel mushrooms with a creamy sauce and tender pasta. This indulgent, earthy meal is perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2-3 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, pappardelle, or spaghetti work best)
   
   1 cup fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
   
   2 tablespoons unsalted butter
   
   1 tablespoon olive oil
   
   1/2 small onion, finely chopped
   
   2 cloves garlic, minced
   
   1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with vegetable broth)
   
   1 cup heavy cream
   
   1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   
   Salt and pepper to taste
   
   Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
   
   Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

1. Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the morel mushrooms and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and softened. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or vegetable broth) and deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine cook down for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Adjust with more pasta water if needed to reach the perfect creamy consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and serve the pasta in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest for added freshness.

Notes

• For a vegan option, use dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan cheese.
• For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to the pasta.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
• For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 75mg