Description
This Trecce Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce with Mushrooms is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of a creamy tomato sauce with earthy sautéed mushrooms. The braided shape of trecce pasta holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring a perfect bite every time. This easy, restaurant-quality dish is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant meal with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz trecce pasta
- 4 quarts water
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves, for serving
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add salt, then trecce pasta. Stir occasionally and cook according to package instructions (about 10–12 minutes) until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and onion, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and become golden brown (about 5 minutes).
-
Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Add dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth and well combined.
-
Combine & Serve:
- Add the cooked trecce pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water (1–2 tbsp at a time) to adjust sauce consistency.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Variations: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra protein.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free trecce pasta made from quinoa or rice flour.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10Min
- Cook Time: 20Min
- Category: Pasta, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~500mg
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~7g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~52g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Protein: ~12g
- Cholesterol: ~30mg
Keywords: trecce pasta, creamy tomato sauce, Italian pasta, easy pasta recipe, mushroom pasta, vegetarian pasta, homemade pasta sauce, pasta dinner