Burnt Garlic Pasta with Mushrooms Recipe
Description:
It’s impossible to think of Italian food without a warm plate of delicious pasta and a glass of wine. This Burnt Garlic Pasta with Mushrooms is a creamy and rich dish, featuring a unique twist with cauliflower-based white sauce, offering a refreshing departure from the traditional flour-based sauces. The sauce brings a lighter, yet equally satisfying, texture that complements the pasta and mushrooms perfectly. An ideal vegetarian dinner option, this recipe is comforting and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for your next weeknight dinner.
Cuisine:
Italian
Course:
Dinner
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta | 250 grams (whole wheat) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon (for pasta), 1 tablespoon (for sauce) |
| Water | 4-5 cups (for cooking pasta) |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, grated (flakes removed) |
| Button Mushrooms | 3, chopped |
| Cauliflower (Gobi) | 70 grams, florets (cooked in water for 5 minutes) |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/4 tablespoon |
| Dried Oregano | 2 tablespoons |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Reserved Pasta Water | 1 cup (from boiling pasta) |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Cooking the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta until it is al dente (firm to the bite), which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and immediately run it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Drain again thoroughly. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking. Set it aside. -
Preparing the Cauliflower Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy cauliflower sauce. In a blender, combine the cooked cauliflower florets, milk, a pinch of salt, black pepper powder, and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Blend everything until smooth, creating a creamy cauliflower sauce. Set aside. -
Cooking the Vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the grated garlic and sauté it gently on low flame until it turns light brown and releases its aromatic fragrance. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. -
Adding the Mushrooms:
Stir in the chopped button mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes, covering the pan to help them soften and release their moisture. After 5 minutes, pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, stir, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to absorb the flavors and tenderize further. Keep an eye on the vegetables to ensure they don’t overcook, as they will continue cooking when combined with the pasta and sauce. -
Combining Pasta and Sauce:
Once the vegetables are ready, add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sautéed mushrooms and onions. Stir everything together gently to combine. Now, pour in the prepared cauliflower sauce, mixing it well to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Let this mixture cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce and flavors. -
Final Touches:
To enhance the flavor, sprinkle dried oregano and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors together. If the sauce appears too thick, feel free to add more reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. -
Serving:
Serve the Burnt Garlic Pasta with Mushrooms immediately, perhaps accompanied by a side of Smoked Tofu and Grilled Vegetable Salad for a complete, hearty meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, delivering both comfort and nutrition in every bite.
Tips:
- Pasta Choices: You can use any pasta of your choice, but whole wheat pasta is an excellent option for a healthier meal.
- Making it Vegan: For a vegan version, simply substitute the butter and Parmesan cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Cauliflower Sauce: This cauliflower-based sauce not only adds a unique flavor but also offers a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or flour. Feel free to experiment by adding herbs or other vegetables to the sauce for a personalized touch.
This Burnt Garlic Pasta with Mushrooms recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and offers a creative twist on classic Italian pasta dishes. The creamy cauliflower sauce gives it a light yet satisfying quality, while the earthy mushrooms and garlic bring depth and richness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!
