Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dried pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
• 1 tablespoon black tea powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced (a mix of cremini, shiitake, and white mushrooms work well)
• 1 cup white wine (optional, can be substituted with chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Black Tea Marinade:

• In a small bowl, mix the black tea powder with the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool. This mixture will be used to add a unique flavor to the pasta sauce.

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Prepare the Mushroom Sauce:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and the moisture evaporates, about 10 minutes.
• Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
• Stir in the heavy cream and the cooled black tea marinade. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushroom sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
• Serve the mushroom pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
• Enjoy your Mushroom Pasta with a hint of black tea flavor, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a simple yet elegant meal with friends. The earthy mushrooms and rich sauce create a satisfying and flavorful dish.