Creamy Mushroom Rag Cozy Pasta Sauce for Weeknight Recipe
Author:lilie
Total Time:53 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Description
Creamy Mushroom Rag turns weeknights into cozy pasta sauce momentsyour easy Weeknight Recipe for a comforting crowdpleasing dinner every night
Ingredients
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Yellow onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
Garlic cloves, minced – 3
Cremini mushrooms (or a mix), sliced or finely chopped – 1 pound (450 g)
Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
Dry white wine (optional) – 1/2 cup
Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (14 ounces / 400 g)
Vegetable broth – 1/2 cup (plus more as needed)
Fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried) – 1 teaspoon
Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
Bay leaf – 1
Red pepper flakes (optional) – pinch
Salt and black pepper – to taste
Balsamic vinegar (optional) – 1 teaspoon
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped – 2 tablespoons
Cream or dairy-free alternative (optional) – 2–3 tablespoons
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it’s soft and just starting to caramelize, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the garlic, thyme, and oregano. Cook for 30 seconds until the aromatics bloom, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Stir in the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and then brown, about 8–10 minutes. They should look deeply golden and fragrant.
Fold in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the tomato flavor and coat the mushrooms.
Pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce by about half, 2–3 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup broth, and the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the sauce thickens and clings to the back of a spoon.
Season with salt, pepper, and the balsamic vinegar (if using). If you like a creamier finish, swirl in the cream off heat. Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the chopped parsley or basil just before serving.
Notes
A cozy, veggie-forward mushroom ragù that browns mushrooms and melds them with tomato richness to create a comforting sauce you can serve with pasta, polenta, or roasted vegetables.
