Italian > Pasta > Creamy Pasta

Creamy Caruso Pasta with Mushrooms Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. pasta
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sautéing mushrooms and garlic
- Colander for draining pasta
- Grater for Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir until it starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Add grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it is melted and well combined with the cream.

6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is well coated with the sauce.

8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for sautéing mushrooms and garlic
- Medium heat for thickening the cream sauce
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Protein: 23g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer, such as shiitake or cremini.

Variations:
- You can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for extra protein.
- You can add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the sauce for extra flavor.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Asiago, instead of Parmesan.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the mushrooms until they release their moisture and turn golden brown for maximum flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining it, in case you need to thin out the sauce.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat pasta in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and sauce to the appropriate temperature to avoid foodborne illness.

Food history:
- The Caruso pasta dish is named after the famous Italian tenor Enrico Caruso.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, savory, and slightly nutty from the Parmesan cheese.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Creamy, Savory, Garlicky, Umami, Earthy