Pappardelle with Mushrooms

17/11/2023

Pappardelle with mushrooms is a delicious autumn first course, but good all year round thanks to the availability of cultivated mushrooms such as champignon or porcini. Here is how to prepare them.

Ingredients

250 g of egg pappardelle (fresh is better)
400 g of mixed mushrooms (porcini, champignon, chiodini, etc.)
2 cloves of garlic
Parsley to taste
4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
100 ml of cooking cream (optional)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese to serve (optional)

Preparation

Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth or with a brush, removing any residual dirt. If necessary, you can quickly rinse them under running water but avoid soaking them. Slice them or cut them into pieces, depending on their type and your preferences.
In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and add the peeled garlic cloves. Let them lightly brown and then remove them, to prevent burning.
Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook over medium-high heat for about 5-10 minutes, until they have released their water and it has partly evaporated. During cooking, stir the mushrooms to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Season with salt and pepper and if you like, you can add the cooking cream for a creamier version of the pappardelle with mushrooms.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle following the cooking instructions on the package. Fresh egg pappardelle will usually require a shorter cooking time than the dried ones.
Once the pappardelle is cooked, drain well and pour them into the pan with the mushroom dressing. Gently mix the pasta and dressing over low heat to blend the flavors well.
Serve the pappardelle hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the word “pappardelle” may have ancestral origins linked to the term “pappare,” which indicates the act of ingesting food? It is said that pappardelle got their name from the rustic and immediate pleasure they offer when enjoyed.