Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pappardelle Pasta

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that’s full of rich flavor and a touch of elegance, this Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pappardelle Pasta is exactly what you need. With golden, tender mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and wide, velvety pappardelle noodles tossed in a light, creamy sauce—this recipe delivers bold taste and satisfying texture in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Earthy & Elegant – Wild mushrooms bring complex flavor and elevate a simple pasta dish.
• Velvety Texture – Pappardelle noodles are the perfect canvas for a silky mushroom sauce.
• Meatless, But Filling – Hearty and flavorful enough to stand on its own.
• Ready in 30 Minutes – An easy gourmet meal for weeknights or dinner parties.
• Versatile – Works with fresh or dried pasta, and various mushroom combinations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Mushrooms:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 lb wild mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, oyster, chanterelle), cleaned and sliced
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pappardelle pasta (fresh or dried)
• Salt for boiling water
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater or microplane

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pappardelle

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pappardelle and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Mushrooms

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are deeply browned and caramelized.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
5. Add garlic, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
2. Add the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Add lemon juice to balance the richness and enhance flavor.

Step 4: Toss Pasta with the Sauce

1. Add cooked pappardelle to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss gently using tongs to coat the pasta evenly with the mushrooms and sauce.
3. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Divide pasta into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
2. Top with more Parmesan cheese and a pinch of black pepper.
3. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Give mushrooms room to brown. Cook in batches if needed.
• Use a Mix of Mushrooms – Combining different varieties adds layers of flavor and texture.
• Fresh Pasta Works Best – But dried pappardelle is a great alternative and easier to store.
• Add a Splash of Broth or Juice – A little vegetable broth or white grape juice can deepen the sauce.
• For Extra Creaminess – Stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or ricotta before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette – Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Simple Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Asparagus or Broccolini – Adds a lovely crunch and lightness to the meal.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon – Refreshing and helps balance the creamy richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Let leftovers cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use only one type of mushroom?
   Yes, cremini or baby bella mushrooms work great on their own.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use olive oil instead of butter, a plant-based cream, and skip or sub the Parmesan with a vegan cheese.
3. What’s the best pasta substitute for pappardelle?
   Fettuccine or tagliatelle are the closest matches in texture and width.
4. How do I add protein?
   Stir in sautéed tofu, grilled chicken, or white beans for a protein boost.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
   It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Final Thoughts
Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pappardelle Pasta brings luxury to your table with very little effort. It’s rustic, rich, and ridiculously delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or treating guests to a homemade feast, this pasta will impress every time.

Try it, savor it, and don’t forget to leave a review or share your plate online—I’d love to see how it turns out!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 435 | Protein: 17g | Carbohydrates: 47g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 390mg

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