Imagine a pasta dish that combines the rich, earthy depth of perfectly sautéed mushrooms with a luxuriously creamy sauce that packs a spicy punch. This Spicy Creamy Mushroom Pasta is not just another weeknight meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet comfort food moment, this recipe promises to elevate your pasta game to exciting new heights!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp sriracha or chili sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of spaghetti, 8 oz of sliced mushrooms, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of sriracha or chili sauce, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the mushrooms. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, letting the cream thicken slightly.
- Stir in the sriracha or chili sauce, adjusting the amount to your desired spice level. Mix well to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the creamy mushroom mixture.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Gently toss the spaghetti in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Cook for another minute to heat everything through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the spicy creamy mushroom pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious and spicy creamy mushroom pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Tips
- Choose the right mushrooms: While the recipe works with standard white mushrooms, try using a mix of cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for more complex flavor.
- Don't rush the mushroom sautéing: Allow them to develop a golden-brown color for maximum flavor. This caramelization is key to a rich, deep taste.
- Control your spice level: Start with a small amount of sriracha and gradually add more. Remember, you can always add heat, but you can't take it away!
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your spaghetti. Don't drain it all away!
- Fresh herbs make a difference: While the recipe suggests basil, fresh parsley or chives can also provide a beautiful finishing touch.
- Serve immediately: Creamy pasta sauces tend to thicken quickly, so plate and serve right after combining for the best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 490kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
