Creamy Chanterelle Pasta

This recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy the taste of chanterelle mushrooms. The creamy sauce complements the earthy character of the mushrooms, making for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Chanterelle mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound pasta ( fettuccine, pappardelle, or tagliatelle recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the mushrooms: While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  3. Add the chanterelles: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chanterelle mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and release their juices.
  4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes, until slightly reduced.
  5. Make the creamy sauce: Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Combine and serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy mushroom sauce in the skillet. Add some of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of butter and olive oil to sauté the mushrooms.
  • If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth.
  • Feel free to add other ingredients to this recipe, such as chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary would work well), chopped cooked chicken, or crumbled bacon.
  • Be sure to properly identify chanterelle mushrooms before consuming them. If you are unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and consult with a mushroom expert. You can find many resources online or in field guides to help you identify chanterelles safely.