ONE-POT CREAMY MUSHER PASTA

Are you all one-pot pasta fans? This one’s for you! This creamy, rich, and umami-filled One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta can be made in just one pot. This is the perfect comfort food after a hard day at work. A side dish of garlic bread is also a good idea. 😉

HOW MANY MUSHROOMS CAN YOU USE?

Baby Bella mushrooms are a great choice for this pasta. They are affordable and have a rich colour that adds to the dish. White button mushrooms can be used if you prefer, but they have a milder flavour. You can also use whole-sized portobello mushrooms but cut them into smaller pieces before sauteing.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE HEAVY CREAMER?

This recipe uses heavy cream, making a rich and delicious sauce for the pasta. It’s thick enough to let the Parmesan and cheese melt in the sauce. Because milk has higher water content, it will result in a thinner sauce. You may find it difficult to get the Parmesan to melt instead of clumping. This can be overcome by using a mixture of cream cheese and milk. Cream cheese thickens the sauce and emulsifies Parmesan (see Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta).

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU ADD?

This creamy mushroom pasta is a simple delight, but you can make it more complicated. For some colour, add a few pieces of fresh spinach to the pasta at the end. You can also add some grilled chicken to the pasta for an extra kick.

HOW MUCH POT CAN I USE?

For this recipe, I used a 3-quart deep skillet. However, you can use any Dutch oven or pot with a large bottom and lid. To ensure even heating, make sure you use a stovetop burner that is the same size as your skillet or pot.

TIPS FOR COOKING ONE-POT PLATES OF PASTA

It can be not easy to make one-pot pasta perfectly. Here are some tips to help you get started.

To prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom, stir every few minutes. To prevent excess evaporation, cover the pot with a lid.
Make sure that the pasta is always simmering. The pasta won’t cook if the liquid isn’t simmering. Your stovetop and cookware will determine the temperature needed to keep the pasta simmering.
Use heavy cookware. Pots with a thin bottom won’t heat evenly. One-pot portions of pasta will not work well if they aren’t cooked evenly.
When not stirring, keep the lid on. This keeps the steam in place and allows the pasta to cook evenly.
Take a look at the pasta. One-pot portions of pasta can be compared to riding a bicycle. It is important to adjust and watch as you cook. Add a little water if the pasta has almost absorbed the liquid before it becomes tender. Allow the paste to simmer for a few minutes, even if it is almost done.