Name: Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pappardelle Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 lb mixed wild mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, oyster, chanterelle), cleaned and sliced; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste; ½ tsp thyme (fresh or dried); ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 8 oz pappardelle pasta (fresh or dried); Salt (for pasta water); ¼ cup reserved pasta water; ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); 1 tsp lemon juice (brightens the flavor); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

If you love rich, earthy flavors and silky pasta, this Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pappardelle Pasta is your perfect comfort food. Featuring a medley of wild mushrooms sautéed until golden and deeply flavorful, paired with wide ribbons of pappardelle and a touch of cream, this dish is rustic, elegant, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of pasta you’d expect at a cozy Italian bistro—only better, because you made it yourself.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Mushrooms:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 lb mixed wild mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, oyster, chanterelle), cleaned and sliced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta:

8 oz pappardelle pasta (fresh or dried)
Salt (for pasta water)
¼ cup reserved pasta water
¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1 tsp lemon juice (brightens the flavor)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pappardelle and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the mushrooms in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until they begin to brown and caramelize.
Stir occasionally and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden and tender.
Add chopped shallot, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add lemon juice to balance the richness.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.

Step 4: Toss with Pappardelle

Add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet with the mushroom sauce.
Toss gently with tongs until pasta is well-coated and warmed through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Plate the pasta and top with more freshly grated Parmesan.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Use a Mix of Mushrooms – Combining varieties adds texture and depth of flavor.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Give mushrooms space to brown properly; cook in batches if necessary.

Fresh Pasta = Luxurious Texture – Fresh pappardelle elevates the dish, but dried works beautifully too.

Save Your Pasta Water – It helps the sauce cling to the noodles perfectly.

Add a Protein If Desired – Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp pair well without overpowering the dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Italian