Chicken Of The Woods Pasta Sauce Recipe
Delight your taste buds with a tantalizing Chicken of the Woods pasta sauce. Sauté finely chopped mushrooms, garlic, and onions until golden. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and simmer. Finish with a splash of cream for a luxurious texture. Serve over al dente pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Pasta pot
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh chicken of the woods mushrooms cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- 1 sprig fresh thyme optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound dried pasta of your choice e.g., fettuccine, spaghetti, pappardelle
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken of the Woods:
- These mushrooms can have a bit of hidden dirt at the base. Gently brush off any debris and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- If you’re using white wine, pour it into the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
Introduce the Broth and Mushrooms:
- Add the vegetable broth and chicken of the woods mushrooms to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.
Creamy Dreamland:
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Pasta Time:
- While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Bring it Together:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Serve and Savor:
- Plate your delicious pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Shower it with some extra Parmesan cheese, and get ready for a burst of woodsy, creamy flavor in every bite!
Notes
Chicken of the Woods mushrooms have a unique taste and texture that can add depth and richness to a variety of dishes. Experiment with different recipes to discover new ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient!