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Creamy Morel Mushroom Pasta Recipe with Parmesan and Fresh Tarragon

creamy morel mushroom pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy pasta dish featuring earthy morel mushrooms, sharp Parmesan cheese, and fresh tarragon for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz fresh morel mushrooms (or 1 oz dried, soaked)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (75 g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves, finely chopped
  • 8 oz fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using dried morels, soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry. For fresh morels, gently brush off any dirt with a soft brush or damp cloth—avoid rinsing under water.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccine or tagliatelle and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the morel mushrooms to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden underneath, then stir and cook an additional 3 minutes until tender and fragrant.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir gently. Allow cream to warm and thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice if desired.
  7. Add drained pasta directly to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand. Warm the pan slightly if needed to help meld, but avoid boiling.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and tarragon.

Notes

Avoid rinsing fresh morels under water to prevent sogginess; brush off dirt instead. Use medium heat and do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms to achieve a golden, flavorful result. Add Parmesan cheese off direct heat to keep sauce smooth. If sauce thickens too much or separates, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: morel mushrooms, creamy pasta, Parmesan, tarragon, easy dinner, mushroom pasta, wild mushrooms, quick pasta recipe