Rigatoni with Mushroom Sauce

The aroma of sautéed mushrooms wafting through the air is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture a hearty bowl of rigatoni draped in a creamy mushroom sauce that dances on your taste buds and leaves you craving more.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and laughter-filled gatherings around the table. Whether it’s a weeknight or a special occasion, Rigatoni with Mushroom Sauce is sure to delight.

I once prepared this dish for an impromptu family gathering, and the compliments poured in—everyone was asking for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rigatoni Pasta: Choose high-quality rigatoni for optimal sauce adherence; it holds flavors wonderfully.
• Fresh Mushrooms: Opt for cremini or button mushrooms; their earthy flavor enhances the sauce immensely.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; minced or sliced works beautifully in this recipe.
• Onion: A sweet onion balances the savory notes; finely chop to release its sweetness as it cooks.
• Heavy Cream: Use full-fat heavy cream for a rich and luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan lends a sharp flavor; avoid pre-grated versions for best results.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil brings richness; it’s perfect for sautéing the vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors; adjust according to your taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness as a garnish before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Step One: Prepare the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to boil over high heat. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain but reserve some pasta water for later.

Step Two: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic until golden.

Step Three: Cook the Mushrooms

Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they’re tender and browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.

Step Four: Create the Sauce

Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently to combine with sautéed vegetables. Let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened; add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.

Step Five: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked rigatoni into the skillet with mushroom sauce; toss gently until every piece is coated in creamy goodness. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.

Step Six: Serve & Enjoy

Plate your delicious rigatoni topped with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your delightful creation while basking in compliments from family or friends.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the mushrooms until golden brown, then cook the rigatoni while preparing the sauce. This ensures everything is hot and fresh when served.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out mushrooms for spinach or add some crushed red pepper for heat. Personalizing this dish makes it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive its richness.

Memories flood back to when my best friend first tasted this dish at my dinner party. The look on her face was priceless as she declared it “life-changing.”

FAQ

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely. Any pasta shape will work, but rigatoni holds sauce beautifully.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes. Rigatoni with Mushroom Sauce is entirely vegetarian and full of flavor.

How can I make this sauce vegan?

Replace cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a delicious vegan version.

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Delicious Rigatoni with Mushroom Sauce

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• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Savor the rich and creamy flavors of this Rigatoni with Mushroom Sauce, a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente (10-12 minutes). Reserve some pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (3-4 minutes), then stir in garlic until golden.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and browned (5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently. Let simmer until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes), adding reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the skillet with the sauce, mixing in grated Parmesan until melted.
6. Serve your delicious dish topped with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling/Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 85mg