Description
Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Mushrooms is a decadent and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender mushrooms simmered in a rich garlic butter and cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe makes a comforting side or a hearty topping for pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, delivering a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and herbal notes.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 21 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and patted dry
- 5 oz sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), sliced
- 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: Incorporate the sliced sun-dried tomatoes along with a tablespoon of their oil into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to release their rich flavor into the butter mixture.
- Cook mushrooms: Add the cleaned mushrooms to the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned on the edges.
- Simmer with cream: Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
- Add spinach and cheese: Toss in the baby spinach leaves and stir until they wilt into the sauce. Next, mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt thoroughly, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and continue simmering the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Finish and garnish: Stir in the dried Italian herbs for an aromatic finish. Remove from heat and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan mushrooms warm over your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables for a hearty, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Ensure mushrooms are patted dry to avoid excess moisture that can prevent browning.
- Use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor, but adjust salt accordingly since it may be salty.
- Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it last to preserve its texture and nutrients.
- Cornstarch thickening is optional; the sauce will still be luscious without it.
- For a vegetarian option, make sure the Parmesan cheese used is free from animal rennet.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or crusty bread.
