Spaghetti with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This delightful spaghetti dish with creamy mushroom sauce embodies the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious sauce made with earthy mushrooms, sweet red onions, and vibrant spinach, it offers a satisfying meal for any occasion. The addition of balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tanginess, while the cream and Parmesan cheese lend a rich and velvety texture. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is both comforting and impressive. As you savor each bite, you'll appreciate the balance between the umami of the sautéed mushrooms and the creaminess of the sauce. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, these spaghetti noodles coated in a flavorful sauce are sure to please. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this culinary adventure and bring a touch of gourmet dining to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 300 g spaghetti
- Water
- Salt
Sauce Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 3 red onions
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 200 g mushrooms
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g spinach
- 200 g heavy cream
- A handful of Parmesan cheese
Preparation Time
Total: 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instruction
- Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, adding a generous pinch of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, peel and slice the red onions thinly.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and add the onions. Sauté until they begin to soften.
- Add the balsamic vinegar to the onions and continue to cook until they caramelize and become fragrant.
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Slice them evenly.
- In another pan, heat the remaining olive oil and add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté with a pinch of salt until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Once the mushrooms are golden and the liquid has evaporated, add the sautéed onions and fresh spinach to the pan.
- Toss everything together and allow the spinach to wilt slightly.
- Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the sauce.
- Check the seasoning and adjust with additional salt if necessary.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the pan with the sauce.
- Toss the pasta thoroughly, ensuring each strand is coated with the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavor.
- Enjoy immediately with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Substitute different types of mushrooms like portobello or cremini for a deeper flavor.
- Add a kick by incorporating red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutritions
- Calories: Approx. 520
- Protein: 18g
- Fats: 24g
- Carbs: 58g
Variations
- For a vegetarian twist, add sun-dried tomatoes or zucchini.
- Use whole grain spaghetti for a fiber-rich option.
- Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Crusty garlic bread complements the dish well.
- A glass of white wine enhances the meal beautifully.
Best Places
- Pasta House - A charming spot known for its authentic Italian dishes. Location: 123 Food St, Rome, Italy.
- Spaghetti Central - Offers a modern twist on traditional pasta. Location: 456 Noodle Ave, New York, USA.
- Mushroom Haven - Celebrated for innovative mushroom recipes. Location: 789 Fungus Blvd, Paris, France.
- Olive & Onion - A Mediterranean gem with flavorful dishes. Location: 321 Vine Rd, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Veggie Delight - Specializes in vegetarian pasta with fresh ingredients. Location: 654 Garden Ln, Sydney, Australia.
- Cream & Cheese - Known for its creamy pasta sauces. Location: 987 Dairy Dr, Milan, Italy.
- Balsamic Bistro - Famous for its tangy pasta offerings. Location: 111 Vinegar St, Seville, Spain.
- Spinach & Spaghetti - Offers healthy pasta options. Location: 222 Leafy Ln, Toronto, Canada.
- Parmesana - A haven for cheese lovers. Location: 333 Cheese St, Vienna, Austria.
- Basil & Thyme - Celebrated for fresh, herby dishes. Location: 444 Herb Ct, London, UK.