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Caramelized Mushroom & Goat Cheese Pasta

A creamy and comforting pasta dish featuring savory caramelized mushrooms paired with tangy goat cheese, perfect for a weeknight dinner or gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Mushroom and Cheese Base
  • 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms Provides a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
  • 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves Adds a fragrant herbal taste.
  • 1 cup crumbled goat cheese Creamy tangy cheese that mellows the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter Adds creaminess and richness.
Aromatics
  • 3 medium shallots Adds a hint of sweetness.
  • 3 large garlic cloves Provides fragrant flavor.
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary Enhances flavor with a pine-like aroma.
  • 7-8 sprigs fresh thyme Adds herbal note.
Seasonings
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Enhances umami flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Adds acidity to balance richness.
  • Diamond Crystal to taste kosher salt For seasoning.
Pasta
  • 8 ounces pasta shape of choice Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well.
Cooking Oil
  • as needed extra-virgin olive oil For sautéing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and thinly slice them. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Thinly slice shallots and garlic, adding them to the bowl with the mushrooms. Tear the sage, rosemary, and thyme into small pieces and add to the bowl.
Mixing
  1. Drizzle the mixture with Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar, then mix to combine.
Cooking
  1. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add olive oil to coat the bottom. Add butter and let it melt.
  2. Pour in the mushroom mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-35 minutes, until mushrooms are deeply browned and shallots are caramelized.
  3. Meanwhile, boil water in a large pot, seasoning liberally with salt. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 6-7 minutes.
  4. Two minutes before the pasta is done, stir goat cheese into the sautéed mushrooms and reduce heat to low, mixing until creamy.
  5. When pasta is ready, transfer it directly to the pan with mushrooms using a slotted spoon. Add a splash of pasta water and stir well.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with fresh thyme.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for a vibrant taste. Do not rush the caramelization process for enhanced flavors. This dish can easily be modified with different cheeses or a hint of spice.