Spaghetti with mushrooms

Spaghetti with mushrooms - a delicious, simple, and quick recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Welcome to the world of flavors! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe that masterfully combines the taste of pasta with the richness of mushrooms, all in a delicious sauce that will captivate your taste buds. Spaghetti with mushrooms is not just a comforting dish but also an ideal option for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner.

A touch of history

Pasta has a long and fascinating story, and the combination with mushrooms is a classic choice, appreciated for centuries. Mushrooms, rich in umami, provide a deep flavor that complements the al dente texture of the spaghetti. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you still want to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal.

Your basic ingredients

- 170 g spaghetti (choose a good brand to ensure the pasta holds its shape)
- 1 tablespoon lemon-infused olive oil (you can also use regular olive oil, but the lemon flavor adds a touch of freshness)
- 2 green onions, chopped (the green onions will add a sweet and fresh taste)
- 2 green garlic stalks, chopped (for a flavor accent)
- 250 g mushrooms, sliced (choose fresh mushrooms for better texture; button or oyster mushrooms are excellent)
- 100 ml white wine (choose a quality wine, as its taste will influence the sauce)
- 500 g passata (fine tomato sauce; if you prefer, you can use canned crushed tomatoes)
- 30 g cornstarch dissolved in 100 ml cold water (to thicken the sauce)
- A handful of chopped parsley (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (helps balance the acidity of the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (for a subtle smoky note)
- 1 teaspoon chili (for a touch of spice; adjust the amount to taste)
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation steps

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. This step is essential to add flavor to the pasta. When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain and keep warm.

2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the green onions and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.

3. Add the mushrooms: Incorporate the sliced mushrooms into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.

4. Deglaze: Pour the white wine into the skillet, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol and concentrate the flavors.

5. Prepare the tomato sauce: In a small bowl, mix the passata with the dissolved cornstarch. Add this mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Finish the sauce: Add the chopped parsley, brown sugar, sweet paprika, chili, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

7. Combine: Pour the mushroom sauce over the spaghetti and mix well to ensure each strand of pasta is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.

8. Serve: You can serve the spaghetti with mushrooms hot, sprinkled with a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. If you like, add grated Parmesan or feta cheese for a richer flavor.

Practical tips

- Choose high-quality pasta made from durum wheat for a perfect texture.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include some olives or capers in the sauce.
- For a vegan version, make sure to use a white wine without animal-derived ingredients.
- If you don't have cornstarch, you can use flour to thicken the sauce, but add it gradually to avoid lumps.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh ones?
While it's possible, fresh mushrooms provide a better texture and flavor. If you use canned mushrooms, make sure to drain them well to avoid a watery sauce.

2. What type of wine should I use?
A dry white wine is ideal for adding depth to the sauce. Avoid sweet wines, which can alter the final taste.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like spicy food, you can add more chili or try crushed red pepper flakes.

4. What can I serve with spaghetti with mushrooms?
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a crusty baguette. A light beer or a white wine complements the flavors of this dish well.

Nutritional benefits

Spaghetti with mushrooms is a healthy recipe, rich in fiber from whole grain pasta and mushrooms, which are an excellent source of antioxidants and B vitamins. This recipe is low in calories, with approximately 400 kcal per serving, making it an excellent choice for a light dinner.

Possible variations

- You can replace mushrooms with vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian option.
- Substitute passata with a cream sauce for a creamier version.
- Add proteins like chicken or tofu for added substance.

In conclusion

Spaghetti with mushrooms is not only an easy dish to prepare but also an explosion of flavors and textures. This recipe will help you enjoy a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, perfect for any occasion. Don't forget to play with the ingredients and add your personal touch! I invite you to try this recipe and let me know how it turned out! Bon appétit!