Campanelle with Sautéed Mushrooms and Thyme

Indulge in a pasta dish bursting with bold, earthy flavors with this effortless mushroom pasta recipe. To create a dish that showcases the rich, meaty nature of mushrooms, we doubled up on two varieties: cremini mushrooms for their robust and meaty character, and shiitake mushrooms for their hearty flavor and chewy texture. Sautéed in a combination of butter and oil, the mushrooms release their moisture and develop a delightful browning. A sprinkle of salt enhances their natural flavors and aids in the browning process. To deepen the earthy notes of the dish, we added minced thyme, adding a touch of woodsy aroma to the mushrooms. As the mushrooms brown, they are set aside, and the sauce is built in the same pan. Scraping up the browned bits left in the pan ensures that none of the meaty mushroom flavors goes to waste. The sauce features a combination of chicken broth for a savory backbone and heavy cream for a silky richness. To synchronize the cooking time of the sauce and pasta, the pasta is added to the boiling water just after the cremini mushrooms are added to the skillet.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 large shallots, minced
• Salt and pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 10 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced ¼ inch thick
• 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced ¼ inch thick
• 4 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• 1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 pound campanelle
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

PREPARATION:

1. In a 12-inch skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter has melted.
2. Add the minced shallots and ½ teaspoon of salt to the skillet and cook until softened, which should take about 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced shiitake mushrooms. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, around 8 minutes.
6. Add the minced thyme to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
7. Transfer the mushroom mixture to a bowl and cover to keep warm.
8. In the same skillet, add the broth and bring it to a boil over high heat, scraping up any browned bits.
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet when adding the broth to incorporate all the flavorful remnants.

TIPS:

• Use a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms for a well-rounded flavor and texture.
• Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavors.

YIELD:

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

In conclusion, this mushroom pasta dish offers an effortless and flavorful dining experience. By combining cremini and shiitake mushrooms, we achieve a harmonious blend of robust and earthy flavors. The sautéing process, with a sprinkle of salt, allows the mushrooms to release their moisture and develop a delightful browning, enhancing their natural richness.

The addition of minced thyme adds a layer of woodsy aroma that deepens the overall earthiness of the dish. Building the sauce in the same pan, utilizing the browned bits left behind, ensures that none of the meaty mushroom flavors goes to waste. The combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a luscious and velvety sauce that envelops the pasta with silky richness.

Cooking the pasta and mushrooms in harmony, we synchronize their cooking times for a perfectly timed dish. The campanile pasta, with its unique shape and texture, captures the sauce beautifully, allowing it to cling to every bite. Tossed with the mushroom mixture, cream sauce, Parmesan cheese, and minced parsley, the pasta absorbs the flavors, creating a harmonious marriage of tastes.

To elevate this dish even further, consider using a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, as they offer different textures and flavors. The cremini mushrooms provide a robust and meaty character, while the shiitake mushrooms contribute a chewy texture and hearty taste.

Whether you’re serving this dish for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, it is sure to impress with its bold flavors and elegant presentation. The aroma of the sautéed mushrooms and the richness of the creamy sauce will entice everyone around the table.

So, gather your ingredients, heat up the skillet, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the deliciousness of mushrooms. This mushroom pasta dish is a delightful way to savor the earthy flavors and indulge in a satisfying and effortless meal.