Creamy Pasta with Crispy Mushrooms

Ingredient:

4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb. mixed mushrooms (such as maitake, oyster, crimini, and/or shiitake), torn into bite-size pieces
Kosher salt
2 medium shallots, finely chopped
1 lb. spaghetti or bucatini
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup finely chopped parsley
Zest and juice of ½ lemon
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
½ oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about ½ cup), plus more for serving
Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large pot over medium-high. Cook half of mushrooms in a single layer, undisturbed, until edges are brown and starting to crisp, about 3 minutes. Give mushrooms a toss and continue to cook, tossing occasionally, until all sides are brown and crisp, about 5 minutes more. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mushrooms to a plate; season with salt. Repeat with remaining 2 Tbsp. oil and mushrooms and more salt.
Reduce heat to medium-low and return all of the mushrooms to the pot. Add shallots and cook, stirring often, until shallots are translucent and softened, about 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions.
Using tongs, transfer pasta to pot with mushrooms and add cream and 1 cup pasta cooking liquid. Increase heat to medium, bring to a simmer, and cook, tossing constantly, until pasta is al dente and liquid is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Remove pot from heat. Add lemon zest and juice, parsley, butter, ½ oz. Parmesan, and lots of pepper and toss to combine. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
Divide pasta among bowls and top with more Parmesan.

Yield:
4 servings

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