Spaghetti with mushrooms in blue cheese sauce

Mushroom Spaghetti in Blue Cheese Sauce

Welcome to the delicious world of pasta! Today I present you a recipe that will transform an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience: mushroom spaghetti in creamy blue cheese sauce. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want to indulge yourself but don't have much time.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

- 100 g spaghetti
- 60 g butter
- 1 can (530 g) mushrooms, drained
- 200 g sour cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- Salt, to taste
- 50 g blue cheese, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

A bit of history:

The origins of pasta are shrouded in mystery, but it is certain that it has been a staple food in many cultures throughout history. Combining pasta with mushrooms and blue cheese is a modern approach that brings a sophisticated touch and an explosion of flavors to the plate. This recipe blends the al dente texture of spaghetti with the creaminess of the sauce, resulting in a dish that will surely impress.

Step by step:

1. Cook the spaghetti: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt (about a tablespoon) to flavor the pasta. When the water starts to boil, throw in the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain well, but reserve a little cooking water to adjust the sauce later.

2. Prepare the sauce: While the spaghetti is cooking, take a large skillet and add 40 g of butter. Heat the skillet over medium heat. When the butter starts to melt and foam, add the well-drained mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until golden and tender. This step is essential to intensify the flavor of the mushrooms.

3. Mix the sour cream: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with the honey, crushed garlic, and salt to taste. The honey will add a touch of sweetness that will balance the salty flavors of the blue cheese.

4. Finish the sauce: Add the sour cream mixture to the skillet, stirring well. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld. Then, add the blue cheese and stir until it completely melts, creating a creamy sauce. Finally, incorporate the remaining 20 g of butter for extra richness.

5. Add the rosemary: When the sauce is ready, add the chopped fresh rosemary for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. The rosemary will provide a pleasant contrast to the mushrooms and cheese, bringing a hint of nature to the plate.

6. Combine the spaghetti with the sauce: Finally, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Mix well, ensuring each spaghetti is evenly coated with the delicious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.

7. Serving: Divide the spaghetti into two plates and, if desired, garnish with a bit of fresh rosemary or blue cheese flakes. You can serve this dish alongside a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty bread to complete the meal.

Practical tips:

- Choose ingredients carefully: The quality of the blue cheese will significantly influence the taste of the sauce. Opt for a high-quality cheese for the best results.
- Vary the mushrooms: If you want an even more complex flavor, you can combine canned mushrooms with fresh ones, such as champignon or shiitake.
- Enrich the sauce: Add some toasted nuts or pine nuts for an extra texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of pasta?: Absolutely! Any type of pasta will work, from penne to tagliatelle. However, spaghetti pairs best with this creamy sauce.
- How can I make this sauce lighter?: You can use light sour cream or Greek yogurt to reduce calories, but the taste will be slightly different.
- What drinks pair well?: A glass of dry white wine or a gin and tonic cocktail pairs perfectly with this recipe.

Nutritional values (per serving):
Calories: ~600 kcal
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 40 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g

This mushroom spaghetti in blue cheese sauce is not just a simple recipe but also a delicious and comforting option that will make you feel like you’re in a fancy restaurant. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite!