Pasta Cohen
Creamy pasta dish featuring mushrooms, shallots, basil, and a rich sherry-tomato sauce, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for mushroom lovers and vegetarians.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute shallots and olive oil until transparent.
- Add soaked mushrooms, sherry, cream, tomato sauce, and basil; stir.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Pour over cooked pasta and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of pasta cooking water to the mixture before serving. If you don't have sherry, white wine or even balsamic vinegar can be a great substitute. Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms like cremini or portobello for varied flavors. Adding grated Parmesan cheese before serving can enhance the dish further, complementing Italian recipes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta Cohen with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the rich flavors. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top can add a touch of color and freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Coconut Cream Cake for dessert, creating a delightful end to your meal. Consider a light white wine to complement the creamy sauce while dining.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the pasta and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. Microwave in short intervals or heat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Cohen contains roughly 365 calories, with 18g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (100% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1968mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it does not include meat. Ensure that your tomato sauce is also meat-free. You can add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to enhance the nutritional value and flavors.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Fettuccine or penne pasta are excellent choices for this sauce, as they hold onto the creamy mixture well. You can also use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture when combined with the sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil used and increase the amount of vegetables in the sauce. This way, you can enjoy a creamy pasta dish while keeping it healthier.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).