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Garlic Beef and Mushroom Pasta with Fresh Herbs

weeknightitalian-inspiredquick
10 minPrep20 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 1 poundground beef
  • 12 ouncecremini mushrooms
  • 4 clovesgarlic
  • 2 tablespoonolive oil
  • ½ cupdry white wine
  • ½ cupchicken broth
  • 12 ouncepasta (penne, linguine, or similar)
  • 1 wholelemon
  • ¼ cupfresh parsley
  • ¼ cupfresh basil
  • ·salt
  • ·black pepper

Prep

  1. 01

    Mince or finely chop 4 cloves garlic.

  2. 02

    Clean and slice 12 ounces cremini mushrooms into quarters.

  3. 03

    Chop fresh parsley and basil (about 1/4 cup each).

  4. 04

    Cut 1 lemon in half for squeezing.

Method

  1. 01

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender, about 9–11 minutes depending on shape. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  2. 02

    While water heats, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until no pink remains, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

  3. 03

    Add mushrooms to the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.

  4. 04

    Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. 05

    Pour in white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.

  6. 06

    Add chicken broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  7. 07

    Toss cooked pasta into the skillet. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the noodles lightly (you may not need all of it).

  8. 08

    Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and stir in parsley and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve at once.

Spice Tips

For subtle warmth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you stir in the garlic. A small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg complements the mushrooms beautifully. Finish with a light shower of Parmesan if you like, though the dish shines fresh and bright without it.

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