Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Cook the Pasta
- I fill a large pot with water and add a big pinch of salt. Once it boils, I add the pasta and cook it until al dente. Before draining, I save about half a cup of pasta water. This trick helps me adjust the sauce later.
Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
- In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and cook it until it turns soft and fragrant. Then, I toss in the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds. After that, I add the shiitake mushrooms and cook them until they turn golden and release their juices. This takes about 6–7 minutes.
Deglaze and Build the Sauce
- I pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet to pick up all those flavorful bits. I let the wine reduce by half.
Add Cream and Cheese
- Next, I stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Then, I add Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce becomes silky and slightly thick. I season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Combine Everything
- I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce. If it feels too thick, I splash in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency.
Garnish and Serve
- Finally, I sprinkle fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan on top. I serve it hot with a smile.
Notes
I always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving because cream sauces can mellow out flavors. Saving pasta water is key—it helps me create that restaurant-style glossy sauce.