Mushroom Marsala Pappardelle

A vegetarian 30 Minute Meal Rachael Ray recipe (from her Feb 2009 magazine) placed here for safe keeping. This is supposed to be a main course, however it could be served as a side dish to meat/fish. NOTE: I made this dish as Rachael wrote it and it proved to be quite bland and soupy. . .that being said, I revised the recipe below to make it fabulous. Try it!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

•  salt and pepper
• 1  lb pappardelle pasta (may substitute fettuccine pasta)
• 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 2  lbs cremini mushrooms, sliced (I used a mix of different mushrooms)
• 4  garlic cloves, grated
• 1⁄2 onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup marsala wine
• 1  cup vegetable broth (may sub chicken broth)
• 1⁄2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
• 1  teaspoon  all purpose Greek seasoning (may sub Italian Seasoning)
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2⁄3 cup  chopped flat leaf parsley (optional)
• 4  tablespoons  grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• 2  cups  fresh  Baby Spinach, coarsely chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.
2. While the pasta is working, in a large, deep skillet, heat the EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the onions and mushrooms and cook until everything is softened, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, season with salt and pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the marsala and cook until nearly absorbed completely by the mushrooms, about 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the vegetable broth; remove a little of the broth and mix it with the corn starch until creamy. Add the corn starch mixture. Once the sauce starts to thicken, add in the cream and spices; add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the butter until melted, add the parsley (if using) and toss.
7. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
8. Top with the cheese and spinach (if using).