Fettuccine with mushrooms and pork chop

Fettuccini with mushrooms and pork chop

Who doesn't love a delicious meal that combines the intense flavors of mushrooms with the juiciness of pork? The recipe we propose today, fettuccini with mushrooms and pork chop, is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This combination of ingredients is not only nutritious but also easy to prepare, and the final result will impress even the most discerning palates. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 2 slices of pork chop (approximately 200-250 g each)
- 1/2 package of fettuccini (approximately 125 g) or tagliatelle
- 6-7 large mushrooms (preferably champignon or oyster mushrooms)
- 1 small onion (preferably white or yellow)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- 200 ml of heavy cream (for cooking)
- Grated Parmigiano (to taste)
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Margarine (about the size of a walnut)
- Salt, pepper, and chili (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. When the water is boiling, add the fettuccini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and add a few drops of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the pork chop: In a large skillet, add a little olive oil and margarine. When the oil is hot, add the pork chop slices. Fry them over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for even frying. Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.

3. Preparing the mushroom sauce: Using the same skillet where you fried the chops, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until translucent (about 3 minutes). Then, add the sliced mushrooms. It’s important not to chop them too finely so they retain their texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. After 5 minutes, when the mushrooms start to brown, add the finely chopped garlic.

4. Deglazing with wine: At this step, add the white wine to the skillet. Allow it to simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the wine reduces slightly. This will enhance the sauce's flavor and provide a deep taste.

5. Adding the cream: Once the wine has reduced, add the heavy cream. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until it thickens. You can adjust the amount of cream to your liking; if you prefer a creamier sauce, add more.

6. The final combination: In a large bowl, combine the fettuccini with the mushroom sauce, gently mixing to coat the pasta with the sauce. Don’t forget to add some grated Parmigiano for extra flavor.

7. Serving: On a nice platter, arrange the pasta with mushrooms, and place the pork chop on top. Sprinkle a bit more Parmigiano and, if you like, a dash of chili for some spice. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an appealing look.

Helpful tips:
- Choose fresh, quality mushrooms to achieve a tasty sauce. Dried mushrooms can be an alternative, but they need to be rehydrated before use.
- If you want to add a touch of acidity, you can drizzle the dish with a bit of lemon juice before serving.
- This recipe can easily be adapted with other ingredients. You can replace the pork chop with chicken breast or add vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes! Whole grain fettuccini is a healthy option.
2. How can I make the sauce spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the mushroom sauce.
3. Can I replace the heavy cream with yogurt? Yes, but yogurt will add a different note of acidity.

Pairings: This recipe pairs excellently with a dry white wine or a pale beer. You can serve a simple green salad as a side dish. Additionally, a quick dessert like a fruit sorbet would perfectly finish the meal.

Nutritional benefits: This recipe offers a balanced combination of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the pasta, and nutrients from the mushrooms and onion. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to a healthy diet.

I hope this recipe for fettuccini with mushrooms and pork chop inspires you to cook at home! Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and experiment with flavors. Bon appétit!