This deliciously creamy mushroom sauce is a perfect accompaniment that transforms any dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
The recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients while delivering rich, complex flavors .
Why You’ll Love Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
The sauce comes together in under 30 minutes and offers incredible versatility. It’s perfect for pasta, steaks, chicken, or even as a side dish.
The combination of sautéed mushrooms and cream creates a deeply satisfying flavor that’s both rich and comforting.
How To Make Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound (200g) mushrooms (preferably Portabellini/brown mushrooms)
- 1 medium yellow/white onion
- 6-7 cloves garlic (1 tablespoon minced)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Secret to Perfect Mushroom Sauce, The key to creating an exceptional mushroom sauce lies in three crucial steps:
- Use brown mushrooms (Portabellini) for the best flavor and color
- Allow mushrooms to brown properly without stirring initially
- Hold off on adding salt until after the mushrooms have browned
Cooking Method
Prepare the ingredients: Clean and slice the mushrooms. Finely chop the garlic and onions. Grate the parmesan cheese if it’s not pre-grated.
Cook the mushrooms: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Once the butter is sizzling, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms until they are browned and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as browning the mushrooms adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
Add the garlic and onions: Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped garlic and onions to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce.
Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Continue to cook the sauce over low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Season and finish the sauce: Add the dried oregano and finely chopped parsley. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the sauce before adding salt, especially if using store-bought stock, as it can be quite salty.
Helpful Variations
Stock Substitution: If you don’t have stock, use stock cubes dissolved in water. Plain water works too, though flavor will be milder.
Cream Alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk, half-and-half, or fresh cream. Note that cooking time and texture may need adjustment.
Herb Options: Don’t have oregano or parsley? Italian herb mix, basil, or rosemary work well with mushrooms.
Cheese Variations: Any smoothly melting cheese can replace parmesan. Adjust quantity based on cheese strength.
Tips
Cook the mushrooms until browned: This releases maximum flavor.
Be cautious with salt if using store-bought stock. To be safe, use low sodium stock or adjust the measurements according to your stock.
Too salty? Add a pinch of sugar to balance the saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Pasta: Toss the creamy mushroom sauce with your favorite pasta. It pairs beautifully with fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
Steak or Chicken: Serve the sauce over grilled or pan-seared steak or chicken for a rich and satisfying meal.
Vegetables: Drizzle the sauce over roasted or steamed vegetables for a decadent side dish.
Potatoes: Use the sauce as a topping for baked potatoes or mix it into mashed potatoes for extra creaminess.
Storage Tips
The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, thin it with a little milk or cream.
This creamy mushroom sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire. Its versatility and rich flavor make it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
The key is paying attention to the mushroom cooking process and allowing proper time for flavors to develop.
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