Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle Pasta Recipe – Easy Cheese Sauce

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle Pasta Recipe – Easy Cheese Sauce

Introduction

Oh, pasta night! Is there anything more comforting? I remember the first time I made this creamy mushroom tagliatelle – it was a rainy evening, and I just needed something warm and cheesy. It quickly became a family favorite, and I’m so excited to share it with you. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a hug in a bowl, ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy mushroom tagliatelle is the perfect weeknight meal. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. The sauce is rich and flavorful, thanks to the mushrooms and a generous helping of mozzarella. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to your preferences – more spice, different mushrooms, even a vegan twist! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious pasta:

• 150 grams Tagliatelle Pasta (or any pasta)
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 5-6 Garlic cloves (minced)
• 200 grams Mushrooms (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Whole wheat flour or All Purpose flour
• 1 cup Milk
• ¼ cup Mozzarella cheese (grated)
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• Pepper powder (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Mozzarella cheese (grated, for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Tagliatelle Pasta: Exploring Different Pasta Shapes
Tagliatelle is fantastic because the long, flat noodles really grab onto the sauce. But honestly? Feel free to use whatever pasta you have! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne will work beautifully.

Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted & Regional Indian Butter Varieties
I usually use salted butter for this recipe, as it adds a nice flavor. If you only have unsalted, just add a pinch more salt to the sauce. In India, we have incredible regional butters – from the creamy, slightly tangy butter of the north to the coconut-infused varieties in the south. Feel free to experiment!

Mushrooms: Types & Their Flavor Profiles (Button, Shiitake, Oyster)
Button mushrooms are classic and readily available. But don’t be afraid to mix it up! Shiitake mushrooms add a lovely umami depth, and oyster mushrooms have a delicate, almost seafood-like flavor.

Whole Wheat Flour: Benefits & Substitution Options
I like using whole wheat flour for a little extra nutrition, but all-purpose flour works just as well. If you’re gluten-free, see the variations section for a substitution.

Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh vs. Pre-Shredded & Indian Cheese Alternatives (Paneer)
Pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, but fresh mozzarella, shredded yourself, melts a little smoother. If you’re looking for an Indian twist, a little grated paneer can add a lovely texture and flavor!

Dried Basil & Oregano: Sourcing Quality Herbs & Fresh Herb Equivalents
Dried herbs are perfectly fine, but if you have fresh basil and oregano, even better! Use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook until al dente – about 7-9 minutes. Remember to reserve about 4-5 tablespoons of that pasta water before draining! It’s liquid gold, trust me.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Now, add the chopped mushrooms and cook until they’re tender and have released their moisture – around 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in the whole wheat flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This gets rid of that raw flour taste and helps create a smooth sauce.
5. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the grated mozzarella cheese, pepper, basil, oregano, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and dreamy.
7. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb all that delicious flavor.
8. Finally, garnish with extra grated mozzarella cheese and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make this pasta extra special:

Achieving the Perfect Al Dente Pasta
Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente means “to the tooth” – it should have a slight bite.

Creating a Smooth, Lump-Free Sauce
The key is to add the milk gradually and stir constantly. If you do get a few lumps, a quick whisk will usually smooth them out.

Enhancing Mushroom Flavor
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the mushrooms. This will steam them instead of browning them.

Adjusting Sauce Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes.

Preventing Pasta from Sticking
Reserving pasta water is crucial! The starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and prevents it from sticking together.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Mushroom Pasta (Using Plant-Based Butter & Cheese)
Swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative and the mozzarella for a plant-based mozzarella. It’s just as delicious!

Gluten-Free Mushroom Pasta (Using Gluten-Free Pasta & Flour)
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour works great.

Spice Level: Adding a Pinch of Red Chili Flakes
My friend, Priya, loves a little heat, so I often add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.

Festival Adaptations: A Comforting Dish for Special Occasions
This pasta is perfect for a cozy Diwali or Christmas dinner. It’s comforting and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

What goes well with creamy mushroom tagliatelle?

Pairing with Indian Breads or Salads
A side of warm naan or roti is perfect for soaking up the sauce. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complements the richness of the pasta.

Wine Pairing Suggestions
A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay would pair beautifully with this dish.

Complementary Appetizers & Desserts
Start with a light tomato soup and finish with a simple fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftover Pasta
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing Pasta for Later
You can freeze leftover pasta, but the sauce may become slightly grainy upon thawing.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use different types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with shiitake, oyster, or cremini mushrooms.

What if I don’t have tagliatelle pasta? What can I substitute?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne will all work well.

How can I make the sauce richer and more flavorful?
Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of white wine to the sauce.

Can this pasta be made ahead of time?
You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Is it possible to add protein like chicken or shrimp to this pasta?
Definitely! Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would be delicious additions.