Description
Enjoy a creamy Marsala pasta dish with tender fettuccine or penne, enveloped in a rich sauce of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and Marsala wine. This comforting yet elegant recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms)
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and have released their moisture.
- Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Once the wine has reduced, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well to combine.
- Add the dried thyme and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce to ensure it is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and incorporates into the sauce.
- Once everything is well combined, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to the sauce along with the cream.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Feel free to add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed sausage to make the dish more filling.
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms for varied flavors and textures; shiitake or portobello can add a unique taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes