Experience Milanese Flavors: Quick & Creamy Pappardelle Pasta with Mushroom Vodka Sauce
Savor the rich taste of Italy at home with this hearty Pappardelle Pasta in Mushroom Vodka Sauce. Inspired by authentic Milanese cuisine, this comforting dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for any weeknight.
This past summer, a long-held dream came true: a magical trip to Italy. It wasn’t just about ticking off historic landmarks or basking in the rich culture; it was a profound dive into the heart of Italian gastronomy and the art of cooking. From the bustling markets to quaint trattorias, every experience deepened my appreciation for the simplicity and quality that define Italian food.
My journey took me through several diverse regions of Italy, each offering its unique culinary treasures. A particular highlight was a hands-on cooking class where I learned the ancient craft of making homemade pasta from scratch. Using a traditional 36-inch wooden rolling pin, I experienced the tactile joy of transforming flour and eggs into silky sheets of pasta. This unforgettable experience truly cemented my love for authentic Italian cooking and ignited a desire to bring those flavors back to my own kitchen.
Bringing Authentic Italian Taste Home
Today, I am thrilled to partner with Classico pasta sauces to share how easily you can infuse your meals with Italian-inspired flair. During my travels across Italy, a recurring theme on restaurant menus was pasta dishes featuring mushrooms. As an avid mushroom lover, I found myself ordering these delightful creations frequently. The common thread in all these Italian dishes, whether simple or elaborate, was the use of a few, exceptionally high-quality ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to truly sing.
This particular Pappardelle Pasta in Mushroom Sauce draws its inspiration directly from the vibrant city of Milan. Milan, a crossroads of culture and innovation, is renowned for its inventive recipes that beautifully blend tradition with contemporary tastes. The city’s culinary landscape often features rich, creamy tomato sauces, making the Classico Vodka Sauce an ideal choice for recreating these sophisticated Milanese flavors right in your own home. This sauce masterfully combines fresh cream, aged Parmesan cheese, and sun-ripened red tomatoes with a subtle hint of vodka, creating a uniquely rich and complex flavor profile that elevates any pasta dish.
The Perfect Pasta: Why Pappardelle?
Pappardelle, with its wide, flat ribbons, is more than just a type of pasta; it’s a culinary experience. Originating from Tuscany, its name comes from the Italian verb “pappare,” meaning “to gobble up,” which perfectly describes how enthusiastically one devours this pasta. Its broad surface is specifically designed to absorb and cling to rich, hearty sauces, making it an exceptional choice for a substantial mushroom sauce. Each strand becomes a perfect vehicle for the creamy, savory flavors, ensuring a satisfying bite every time. The robust texture of pappardelle stands up beautifully to the weight of a thick sauce, providing a truly comforting and authentic Italian meal.
Crafting the Classic Mushroom Sauce
While classic Milanese mushroom sauces often feature elusive porcini mushrooms, I’ve discovered that a delightful and equally flavorful result can be achieved using more readily available varieties. For this recipe, I opted for a harmonious blend of shiitake, portobello, and white button mushrooms. This combination offers a spectrum of textures and earthy notes: shiitakes bring a savory depth, portobellos contribute a meaty chew, and white buttons offer a mild, accessible flavor. Feel free to experiment with any mushrooms you prefer or can easily find in your local market; oyster mushrooms or cremini would also be excellent additions. When combined with the luxurious Classico Vodka Sauce, these mushrooms create an incredibly rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful sauce that pairs exquisitely with the pappardelle pasta.
Quick & Easy Weeknight Italian Escape
What I particularly adore about this pappardelle pasta recipe is its ability to transport me back to the charming streets of Italy with every forkful. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a momentary escape from the everyday hustle. For the full experience, I love to pair it with a glass of robust red wine – served casually, perhaps not even in a traditional wine glass, just like you’d often find in many authentic Italian eateries. The best part? This entire comforting dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for even the busiest weeknights. It allows us to pause, enjoy a delicious, homemade meal, and temporarily immerse ourselves in a little Italian dream. I encourage you to explore the full range of Classico pasta sauces; with their diverse regional inspirations, you can embark on a culinary journey across Italy any night of the week!
Pappardelle Pasta in Mushroom Vodka Sauce
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Ingredients
- 1 pound pappardelle pasta
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound mushrooms, chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar, 24 oz Classico Vodka Sauce
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pappardelle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water if desired.
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While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.
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Add the chopped mushrooms and finely chopped shallots to the hot skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown and caramelize, developing deeper flavor.
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Season the mushroom mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Pour the entire jar of Classico Vodka Sauce over the mushroom mixture in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
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Add the cooked pappardelle pasta directly into the sauce. Toss gently to ensure every strand of pasta is thoroughly coated with the rich mushroom vodka sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
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Serve immediately, garnished generously with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired. For an extra touch of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil would be a delightful addition.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Classico. The opinions and text are all mine.