Pasta with porcini mushrooms and cherry tomatoes is a classic Italian first course, perfect for the autumn season. The delicate and aromatic flavor of porcini mushrooms pairs perfectly with the tangy and robust taste of cherry tomatoes, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors. This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, but it requires quality ingredients. The porcini mushrooms, in fact, need to be fresh and fragrant, while the cherry tomatoes should be firm and tasty. For an even tastier result, you can add a pinch of chopped parsley and, if you like, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
I prefer this recipe without grated cheese, so I can better enjoy the flavor of the mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. If you also prefer pasta with porcini mushrooms and cherry tomatoes without cheese, you can omit this ingredient from the recipe.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Rest time: 5 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients
- 7 oz rigatoni
- 5 oz porcini mushrooms
- 7 oz cherry tomatoes
- 2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 sprig parsley
- A few chili threads
Tools
- 1 Pan
- 1 Pot
Steps
After cleaning the porcini mushrooms, gently dry them with a cloth to avoid absorbing too much water, thus maintaining their texture during cooking. Thorough cleaning not only removes dirt but also ensures better presentation and flavor in the final dish.
Choosing carefully in cleaning and using a damp towel or brush for the mushroom cap and a vegetable peeler to remove the first layer of the stem ensures a thorough clean, guaranteeing a pasta dish with mushrooms free of soil residues and with impeccable taste.
After cleaning them, cut and separate the stems from the caps. Because we will cook the stems first, as they have a longer cooking time.
In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the unpeeled garlic and a few sprigs of fresh parsley and sauté for a minute. Add the cherry tomatoes cut in half and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they have softened and begin to release their juice. Turn the cherry tomatoes and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
Then remove the parsley sprig and garlic from the pan. Add the mushroom stems and sauté them for a few minutes. Deglaze with white wine and cover with the lid. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the mushroom stems are soft.
After deglazing with white wine, add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
Now we can add also the mushroom cap that we cut and set aside at the beginning. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, adding pasta cooking water if necessary.
Finally, drain the pasta al dente and transfer it directly into the pan with the sauce. Toss it over high heat for a couple of minutes, so it absorbs the flavors well and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
The pasta with porcini mushrooms and cherry tomatoes is ready. If you like, you can add grated cheese and finely chopped parsley. I prefer it without, but I add chili threads to give a special touch to the dish and make it visually more appealing.
Enjoy from DadCook!
Tips for cleaning porcini mushrooms
To clean porcini mushrooms, it’s important not to wash them under running water, as they would absorb too much water and lose flavor. The best thing to do is to use a damp cloth or a soft brush to remove the soil and impurities.
Wine to pair with pasta with porcini mushrooms and cherry tomatoes:
For pasta with porcini mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, the ideal wine is a medium-bodied dry white with good acidity. This type of wine can balance the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the intensity of the porcini mushrooms. Some examples of white wines to consider are: Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Friulano, Verdicchio, Orvieto
For pasta with porcini mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, the ideal wine is a medium-bodied dry white with good acidity. This type of wine can balance the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the intensity of the porcini mushrooms. Some examples of white wines to consider are: Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Friulano, Verdicchio, Orvieto
Some examples of red wines to consider are:
Pinot Noir, Barbera, Grignolino, Merlot, Primitivo.
Ultimately, the wine to pair with pasta with porcini mushrooms and cherry tomatoes is a matter of personal taste.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I add other types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can add other types of mushrooms to the pasta with porcini mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. Here are some specific ideas for mushroom combinations:
Porcini mushrooms and champignons: this combination is classic and much appreciated.
Porcini mushrooms and honey mushrooms: this combination is more rustic and flavorful.
Porcini mushrooms and chanterelles: this combination is more delicate and aromatic.
Porcini mushrooms and wild mushrooms: this combination is more original and interesting.
