This Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine is a comforting, rich dish that combines tender fettuccine pasta with a luscious sauce made from earthy cremini mushrooms, garlic, and fresh herbs. The addition of spinach and Parmesan adds a delightful depth of flavor, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 ounces fettuccine

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 pound cremini mushrooms (thinly sliced)

• 1 onion (diced)

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon dried dill

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup vegetable broth

• 1 cup half and half (or more, as needed)

• 2 cups baby spinach

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Drain well.

2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

3. Add the seasonings: Stir in the thyme and dill, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Make the roux: Whisk in the flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

5. Incorporate the broth: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until incorporated. Stir in the half and half, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

6. Add spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan, cooking for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. If the sauce is too thick, add more half and half as needed to reach your desired consistency.

7. Combine with pasta: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and gently toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.

8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 400 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Protein: 9g

• Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 50mg

• Sodium: 460mg

• Potassium: 500mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 6g

• Vitamin A: 900 IU

• Vitamin C: 15mg

• Calcium: 150mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Heart of the Dish: Earthy Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms are the star of this dish, contributing a deep, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. Unlike white button mushrooms, creminis offer a more robust taste and a firmer texture, making them ideal for this rich pasta sauce. When sautéed with garlic and onions, these mushrooms release their natural juices, which infuse the sauce and add depth to the flavor profile.

The sautéing process in butter helps to develop a beautiful golden-brown color and enhances the savory notes of the mushrooms, creating a rich base for the sauce. Combined with the aromatic thyme and dill, the mushrooms provide an irresistible flavor foundation that makes every bite of the fettuccine a comforting experience.

A Creamy Sauce with Fresh Herbs and Spinach

The creamy sauce that envelops the fettuccine is made with a combination of vegetable broth and half and half, which gives it a smooth and velvety texture. The richness of the half and half pairs beautifully with the natural earthiness of the mushrooms, creating a decadent sauce without being too heavy. As the sauce simmers, it thickens slightly, thanks to the flour-based roux, resulting in a luscious coating that clings perfectly to the pasta.

Fresh thyme and dill bring herbal brightness to the dish, while the spinach adds a touch of greenery and an extra layer of flavor. The spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce, contributing a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the cream. With every bite, you get a blend of creamy, savory, and herbaceous notes that make this dish truly delightful.

The Power of Parmesan

No creamy pasta dish would be complete without the addition of Parmesan cheese. As it melts into the sauce, the Parmesan adds a depth of umami that elevates the entire dish. The cheese not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce. The combination of Parmesan and the richness from the half and half creates a luxurious sauce that coats each strand of fettuccine beautifully. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top before serving makes the dish even more indulgent.

Cooking the Pasta and Combining the Flavors

Cooking the fettuccine is the first step to this dish, and it’s important to follow the package instructions to ensure the pasta is cooked to perfection. The pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite, as it will continue to absorb the sauce when combined. After draining the pasta, it is tossed into the creamy mushroom sauce, allowing the sauce to coat each piece of pasta thoroughly.

This step ensures that every bite of fettuccine is infused with the rich, creamy sauce, and the mushrooms and spinach are distributed evenly. The beauty of this dish is in the simplicity—by allowing the ingredients to come together in one pot, you create a harmonious blend of flavors without any complicated steps.

Perfecting the Sauce: Consistency Matters

One of the keys to making a perfect creamy sauce is achieving the right consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, it can make the pasta heavy and cloying. To adjust the sauce, simply add more half and half until you reach the desired creaminess. The goal is to have a sauce that is thick enough to coat the pasta without being overly rich or too runny. As the sauce is combined with the fettuccine, it should gently cling to the pasta, creating a smooth, luxurious texture.

Serving and Garnishing

To elevate the dish, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. The parsley not only enhances the dish visually but also adds a slight herbaceous flavor that balances the richness of the sauce. The dish can be served immediately, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests. A side of crusty bread or a simple salad pairs wonderfully with this creamy pasta, adding a bit of crunch and freshness to the meal.

Nutritional Benefits and Balance

While Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine is undeniably rich, it also provides a balanced amount of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Each serving offers 9 grams of protein, largely from the Parmesan cheese and pasta. The baby spinach contributes 3 grams of fiber and is a good source of vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin vitality. The mushrooms are packed with potassium and iron, making this dish a nutritious choice despite its creamy indulgence.

At 400 calories per serving, this dish is moderate in calories, making it a reasonable option for those who want a comforting meal without overindulging. The dish also contains 18 grams of fat, with 10 grams of saturated fat, which contributes to its rich and indulgent flavor. While it’s a rich dish, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion: A Dish to Savor

Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine is the perfect dish to indulge in when you’re craving something rich, comforting, and flavorful. The combination of earthy mushrooms, tender fettuccine, fresh herbs, and creamy sauce creates a dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full and content. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this pasta dish is a guaranteed hit. The creamy sauce, balanced with the freshness of spinach and the umami of Parmesan, will have you coming back for more. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.