Easy and Healthy whole wheat spaghetti with porcini mushrooms and ricotta
This dish may have had some bumps in the road - like discovering the fresh porcini I bought and was excited to use had turned bad :( - but dried porcini saved the day! Rich, earthy mushrooms tossed with whole wheat spaghetti, garlic, and creamy ricotta make a comforting and easy meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or cozy dinner, it’s packed with fall flavours and a hint of decadence from the ricotta and parmesan.
Ingredients (Serves 3-4)
300g whole wheat spaghetti
30g dried porcini mushrooms or fresh if available and not rotten ;)
250ml hot water for soaking porcini
1-2 tablespoon olive oil:
1 clove garlic, minced
15g fresh parsley, chopped
100g ricotta
50g Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: PREPARE THE PORCINI MUSHROOMS
1. Soak the mushrooms: If using dried porcini, place them in a bowl with 250ml hot water. Let soak for 15 minutes, then drain, reserving the soaking liquid. Roughly chop the mushrooms.
Step 2: COOK THE SPAGHETTI
1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until “al dente”. Drain and set aside, reserving some of the pasta cooking water.
Step 3: SAUTÉ THE MUSHROOMS
1. Sauté garlic and mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat 1-2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Cook the porcini: Add the chopped porcini to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved soaking liquid. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: COMBINE PASTA AND SAUCE
1. Toss pasta with mushrooms: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the mushrooms. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed for a silky texture.
2. Add parsley and ricotta: Stir in the fresh parsley and ricotta. Mix until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
Step 5: SERVE
1. Plate and garnish: Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra ricotta and parmesan if desired.
Enjoy this cozy, earthy pasta dish with all the rich flavors of fall!
