Ingredients
- Half of a 16-ounce bundle of linguine pasta
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, with the option to add more
- 2 cups of thinly sliced cremini mushrooms
- Half a cup of diced onion
- Two cloves of minced garlic
- One tablespoon of all-purpose flour, with the flexibility to add more
- A teaspoon of salt
- A teaspoon of ground black pepper
- Three-fourth cup of heavy cream
- Two and a half tablespoons of spreadable cracked pepper cheese (like Boursin)
- Half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, adjustable to taste
Step 1
Begin by bringing a generously salted large pot of water to a lively boil. Drop in the linguine and let it dance in the water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, approximately 11 minutes. Once ready, strain the pasta while saving around 1 cup of pasta water, which might come in handy later to adjust the sauce's thickness.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it sizzles and fills the air with its rich aroma. Toss in the mushrooms, onions, and garlic, letting them mingle and soften in the buttery goodness for about 5 minutes. As the mixture starts to bubble gently, sprinkle in the flour, ensuring to whisk it smoothly to avoid any pesky lumps. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of pepper, infusing the sauce with layers of flavor. Pour in the cream, followed by a shower of cheese and a hint of nutmeg, stirring continuously. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken gradually. Remember to give it a gentle stir every 5 minutes to avoid any clumps or sticking; you might have to reduce the heat further and incorporate more butter if needed.
Step 3
Combine the cooked pasta with the velvety sauce, adjusting the consistency with splashes of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired saucy perfection.
Extra Tips & Suggestions
- Keep your mushrooms fresh and flavorful by storing them in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Remember to brush off any dirt before storing them to keep them clean and ready for use in your savory mushroom pasta dish.
- To keep your pasta fresh and prevent it from sticking together, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Consider adding a bay leaf to the container to help deter pests and add a subtle flavor to the pasta.
