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Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce - Image 2

Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce

Indulge in the rich flavors of Hen of the Woods mushrooms paired with a luxurious tarragon cream sauce over pasta. This recipe offers gourmet taste with straightforward preparation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz Hen of the Woods mushrooms cleaned and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz pasta such as fettuccine or pappardelle
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp fresh tarragon chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Tongs or pasta fork

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Hen of the Woods mushrooms and sauté until they are golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Stir in the chopped tarragon and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and mushrooms. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional tarragon and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Chef's Tips:
• For a richer flavor, consider using a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan before adding the cream
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when sautéing mushrooms to ensure they brown properly
• Serve with a light green salad to balance the richness of the dish
Food Safety:
• Ensure mushrooms are thoroughly cooked to avoid potential foodborne illnesses
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 3 days