Pasta/Pizza - Pasta with mushrooms and tomato sauce by Daniela G. - Recipia
Pasta with mushrooms and tomato sauce - A delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love pasta? This dish is one of the most versatile and beloved meals around the world. From simple sauces to sophisticated combinations, pasta can be adapted to satisfy any taste. In this recipe, we will explore a delicious combination of pasta with mushrooms, an ingredient that adds a rich flavor and wonderful texture.

The history of pasta is fascinating; it is believed to have been created hundreds of years ago, and today it is a symbol of Italian cooking, as well as international cuisine. Whether served plain, with elaborate sauces, or baked, pasta is always an excellent choice for a quick yet delicious meal.

Ingredients:

- 300 g penne pasta (egg-free)
- 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup salted mushrooms (desalted)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs of Provence

Preparation:

1. Desalting the mushrooms: Start by placing the mushrooms in a bowl of cold water. Let them soak for 30 minutes. This step is essential to remove excess salt and achieve a balanced flavor. After this time, drain the mushrooms and chop them finely.

2. Preparing the ingredients: Peel the onion and chop it finely. Peel the garlic and slice it thinly. Put the canned tomatoes in a blender and blend them into a fine paste. This will form the base of our sauce, bringing an unmistakable freshness to the dish.

3. Sautéing the ingredients: In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sliced garlic and sauté them over low heat for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This step will provide an excellent flavor base for our sauce.

4. Adding the mushrooms and tomatoes: Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and mix well. After a minute, add the tomato paste and the two tablespoons of vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine the flavors.

5. Simmering the sauce: Add a cup of water and let the sauce simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. This cooking time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the skillet. Finally, season the sauce with salt, pepper, and the herbs of Provence, which add a pleasant aromatic note.

6. Cooking the pasta: In a separate pot, add water with a little salt and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. I recommend cooking them al dente for a perfect texture.

7. Mixing the pasta with the sauce: When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Carefully mix to coat each piece of pasta with the flavorful sauce.

8. Final preparation in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with a little oil and transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into it. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and leave it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. This step will help intensify the flavors and give a slightly crispy texture on top.

9. Serving: When the pasta is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, perhaps with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top and a few fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips:

- If you don’t have mushrooms on hand, you can use champignon or porcini mushrooms, and the taste will be just as delicious.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes.
- This dish is perfect to be served alongside a fresh green salad or a glass of white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors on the plate.

Nutritional benefits:

This pasta recipe with mushrooms is not only delicious but also healthy. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and whole grain pasta contributes to a balanced diet. One serving has approximately 450 calories, making it an excellent choice for a comforting meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Absolutely! Choose a whole grain option for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Ensure that the vegetable broth you use is vegetarian, and the other ingredients are also free from animal products.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with olives, bell peppers, or even a splash of cream for a creamier texture.

This pasta with mushrooms and tomato sauce is a wonderful choice for a quick and tasty dinner, perfect for any occasion. Cooking is an art, and each recipe offers the opportunity to explore and enjoy fresh and flavorful ingredients. Enjoy your meal!

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Pasta/Pizza - Pasta with mushrooms and tomato sauce by Daniela G. - Recipia

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