Description

Earthy, savory, and luxuriously creamy, this Caramelized Wild Mushroom Pappardelle Pasta is a comforting and elegant dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender wide noodles, deeply caramelized mushrooms, and a silky herb-infused sauce, it’s a restaurant-quality meal made easily at home—no fancy ingredients required.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

12 oz pappardelle pasta (fresh or dried)
Salt, for boiling water

For the Mushroom Mixture:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1½ lbs wild mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, oyster, or chanterelle), cleaned and sliced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp dry white grape juice or vegetable broth (to deglaze)

For the Sauce:

½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Caramelize the Mushrooms

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the mushrooms in an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop color.
Stir occasionally and continue cooking for 10–12 minutes, until deeply golden and reduced.
Add shallot, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with grape juice or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer until the liquid evaporates.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
Mix in the grated parmesan and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet with the mushroom cream sauce.
Toss gently with tongs to coat the pasta evenly.
Simmer for another minute so the flavors come together. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side if desired for extra brightness.
Add a drizzle of olive oil or truffle oil for a luxurious finish (optional).

Notes

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Mushrooms need space to caramelize properly. Work in batches if necessary.
Use a Mix of Mushrooms – Combining varieties adds depth of flavor and texture.
Fresh Herbs = Best Flavor – Thyme and parsley enhance the earthiness perfectly.
Cream Optional – For a lighter version, swap in half-and-half or whole milk.
Balance with Acid – Lemon juice or a splash of vinegar cuts the richness beautifully.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired