Nature Spices – Creamy Chilli Mushroom Pasta
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This indulgent pasta dish combines a rich, velvety cheese sauce with sautéed mushrooms, a touch of heat from green chillies, and the unexpected warmth of garam masala.
General Info
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Serves: 3-4 People
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Prep Time: 15 mins
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Cook Time: 30 mins
Ingredients
The Pasta:
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Grains: 250g Penne pasta
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Boiling: Water + ¼ tsp salt
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Coating: 2 tbsp olive oil (to prevent sticking)
The Mushroom Sauté:
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Vegetables: 245g mushrooms (sliced), 5 spring onions (sliced), 3 small green finger chillies (finely chopped)
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Aromatics: 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped), 4 tbsp fresh coriander (finely chopped)
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Flavor: 1 vegetable stock cube (crushed), 2 tbsp olive oil
The Creamy Roux (Sauce):
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Base: 60g butter, 30g plain flour
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Liquids: 120ml full-fat milk, 120ml double cream, 200ml water
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Seasoning & Spice: 80g cheddar cheese (grated), ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp garam masala
Garnish (Optional):
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2 tbsp grated parmesan, fresh coriander leaves
Method
Step 1: Prep the Pasta
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Boil the penne in salted water until cooked through (approx. 12-15 mins on medium-high heat).
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Drain and rinse with cold water to remove excess starch.
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Drizzle with olive oil and keep in a bowl of cold water until needed to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Mushrooms
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Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
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Stir in the spring onions, green chillies, and the crushed stock cube. Cook for 3-4 mins.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for a further 4-5 mins until softened.
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Stir in the fresh coriander and set the mixture aside.
Step 3: Create the Velvety Sauce
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Mix the milk, double cream, and 200ml water in a jug.
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In a separate sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in the flour and cook for 30 seconds to create a roux.
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Gradually pour in the milk/cream mixture, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
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Add the grated cheddar and salt, stirring for 30-40 seconds until the cheese has melted.
Step 4: Combine & Finish
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Add the sautéed mushroom mixture and the drained pasta into the cheese sauce.
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Sprinkle over the garam masala and black pepper.
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Toss everything together and cook for a final 2 minutes to ensure the pasta is heated through and well-coated.
Step 5: Serve
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Plate the pasta while creamy and hot.
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Garnish with grated parmesan and extra coriander if desired. Enjoy!
