Rigatoni with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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Remember when I used to blog about my favorite recipes? Yeah, that seems like a distant memory to me, too. Let's pretend like we never took a break and dive right back in with this simple--yet, shockingly packed-with-flavor--pasta.  Or, as Giada would say: PAHSSSSS-ta.

I'm a sucker for sauteed mushrooms, in any form really (even if they are rollin' solo), but the combo of shallot, white wine, and creamy mascarpone is a trifecta that cannot be denied.

This is an impressive one-dish meal for a weeknight or a dinner party. You're welcome for the vetting.

Rigatoni with Creamy Mushroom Sauce [recipe by Giada De Laurentiis]

-1 lb. rigatoni pasta
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-2 shallots, minced
-1 clove garlic, minced
-Salt and freshly ground black pepper
-1 pound assorted mushrooms, (such as cremini, shiitake and button), cleaned and sliced
-1/2 cup white wine
-1/2 cup vegetable stock
-8 oz. mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan
-1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until soft, about 2 minutes. 

3. Add the mushrooms to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook until mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 7 minutes. 

4. Turn the heat to high. Add the wine and cook for 3 minutes until all the liquid evaporates. Add the stock and simmer until liquid is slightly reduced. Remove the pan from the heat. 

5. Add the mascarpone cheese. Stir until creamy. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, and transfer to a serving bowl. Add the mushroom mixture and the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Toss well to coat pasta, adding the reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. 

6. Garnish with the chopped chives. Serve immediately.