Spaghetti with Mushroom Bolognese Recipe

There’s something extraordinarily comforting about gathering around the dining table with family, sharing stories, and indulging in a meal that’s been lovingly crafted from scratch. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that brings together the earthy, savory flavors of mushrooms with the comforting familiarity of spaghetti: Spaghetti with Mushroom Bolognese. This delightful dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, celebrating seasonal changes, or simply indulging in a creative culinary adventure. The richness of the mushroom sauce combined with perfectly al dente spaghetti will make this recipe a beloved staple in your home.

Recipe Summary

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely grated
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, carrot, and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato puree, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the mushroom Bolognese sauce until well combined.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Helpful Tips

If you’re a beginner, remember to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as you go—it’s the secret to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. For a touch of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Vegetarians can spruce up the dish by adding a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of the cooking time for an extra dose of greens.

Storage Instructions

This Mushroom Bolognese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find cremini mushrooms, feel free to substitute with button mushrooms or a mix of wild mushrooms for a more complex flavor. The recipe is quite flexible and can be adapted to whatever mushrooms you have available.

Pairings

Spaghetti with Mushroom Bolognese pairs wonderfully with a green side salad and a slice of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Serve with a glass of your favorite red wine or a sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing touch.