Spaghetti with Garlicky Mushrooms and Parmesan

I was out running errands today when I got an intense craving for mushroom pasta. All I could think about was buttery noodles with caramelized garlicky mushrooms, and lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, so I did what any food blogger would do: I drove home and made myself one delicious lunch that completely satisfied my craving. I love my job! This easy mushroom pasta recipe paired nicely with a simple butter lettuce salad and some crusty bread.

Spaghetti with Garlicky Mushrooms and Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz spaghetti cooked in salted water, per package instructions
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 oz cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 small shallot, diced
• 1 large clove of garlic, minced
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• Fresh Parmesan, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Spaghetti with Garlicky Mushrooms and Parmesan

Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of well-salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water.

Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushroom slices and crushed red pepper flakes, then toss quickly to coat them completely in the butter. Let the mushrooms cook undisturbed for 2 minutes.

Flip them over and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the shallots and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.

Add the drained spaghetti to the mushrooms and a bit of the pasta water; toss to coat evenly. Season well with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste.

Serve with lots of freshly grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Enjoy.