Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with every twirl of Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce! This dish is pure comfort, starring earthy hen of the woods mushrooms, tender pasta, and a dreamy, fragrant tarragon cream that pulls everything together in the most decadent way. It’s a showstopper for date night, a fantastic way to impress dinner guests, or just a weekday treat when you need a little extra joy on your plate.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce lies in its elegance and simplicity. Each ingredient has a role to play: from the mushrooms and their foresty aroma to the brightness of fresh tarragon and the silkiness of heavy cream. Use the freshest you can find — your tastebuds will thank you!

• Hen of the woods mushrooms: Their meaty texture and woodsy flavor are truly unique; tear them by hand for rustic appeal.
• Good-quality pasta: Fettuccine or tagliatelle wraps up all that sauce; dried or fresh both work, just adjust cooking time!
• Olive oil: A fruity extra virgin sets the flavor base, keeping everything luscious from the first saute.
• Shallots: Delicate and sweet, they melt into the sauce and provide a mellow background.
• Garlic: Just enough punch for warmth and aroma without overpowering the dish.
• Dry white wine: Adds acidity and a complex, restaurant-worthy undertone to the sauce — don’t skip it!
• Heavy cream: The magical ingredient for that luxurious, velvety sauce everyone craves.
• Fresh tarragon: Brings a hint of anise and bright herbal notes that wake up the whole dish.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated only, please! It melds into the sauce for deep umami richness.
• Salt and pepper: Season all the layers — taste as you go for perfect balance.
• Lemon zest (optional): For a pop of freshness if you love citrus brightness.

How to Make Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you dive in, take a few minutes to set yourself up for success. Clean and tear the hen of the woods mushrooms into bite-sized pieces (no knife needed!), mince the shallots and garlic, chop that fragrant tarragon, and grate your Parmesan. A little prep here means the actual cooking is a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before you drain — it’s pure magic for adjusting your sauce to the perfect silkiness at the finish.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil, then toss in the mushrooms. Let them brown and caramelize undisturbed for a few minutes, then stir and keep cooking until golden and slightly crispy at the edges. Season with salt and pepper as they cook.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Tarragon Sauce

Lower the heat and add in the shallots and garlic, stirring until fragrant and softened. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any bits from the pan, and let it reduce by half. Now swirl in the heavy cream and most of the chopped tarragon, letting everything simmer gently into one luscious sauce.

Step 5: Marry Everything Together

Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet with the mushrooms and sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen things up. Off the heat, fold in the Parmesan until the sauce clings to each strand and finish with a little extra tarragon and, if you like, some lemon zest for brightness.

How to Serve Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped tarragon and Parmesan makes this dish look as dreamy as it tastes, while a handful of microgreens or a drizzle of top-quality olive oil adds color and even more depth. If you love a little crunch, toasted hazelnuts or pine nuts are a fabulous finishing touch.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is the ideal counterpoint to the rich, creamy sauce of your Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce. Serve alongside slices of warm, crusty bread (perfect for swiping up every last drop of sauce) or sautéed greens like broccolini for a full, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try twirling the pasta into little nests on individual plates for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Or serve family-style in a big, shallow bowl at the center of the table so everyone can dig in. For special occasions, top each portion with a few extra sautéed mushrooms and a delicate tarragon leaf.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors of the Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce continue to mingle and deepen, making for a seriously tempting lunch tomorrow.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce is best the day it’s made, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and be prepared to loosen the sauce with a splash of cream or milk when reheating.

Reheating

To bring your pasta back to its glory, reheat gently on the stovetop with a touch of cream or reserved pasta water, stirring until everything is silky and thoroughly warmed through. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can cause the sauce to separate — low and slow is the way to go for Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce.

FAQs

Can I substitute another mushroom if I can’t find hen of the woods?

Absolutely! While hen of the woods add a special flavor and texture, you can use oyster mushrooms, shiitakes, or even creminis in their place and still create a delicious version of Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce. Try to keep the pieces large for the best bite.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Hearty, long pasta shapes like fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even pappardelle are fantastic choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce so well. If you prefer short shapes like rigatoni, go for it — the sauce will nestle right into those tubes for a delightful bite!

Can I make this dish gluten-free or vegan?

You absolutely can! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to start and substitute the cream with coconut cream or an unsweetened plant-based alternative. For cheese, go for a high-quality vegan Parmesan-style shred. The key flavors of Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce still shine through beautifully.

How far ahead can I make the sauce?

The creamy tarragon sauce can be made up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat, thinning out with a splash of pasta water or cream just before tossing with fresh-cooked pasta and the sautéed mushrooms.

Does tarragon have a strong flavor?

Tarragon is bright and herbaceous, with a mild anise note that pairs wonderfully with the earthy mushrooms. Use it with a light hand if you’re new to it, but don’t skip it — tarragon is what makes this Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce truly unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something a little luxurious yet reassuringly easy to pull off, Hen of the Woods Pasta with Creamy Tarragon Sauce is sure to become a staple at your table. Don’t be surprised if this dish turns a quiet night in into an occasion — grab a fork, gather your favorite people, and dive in!

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