Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti: 12 oz (about 340g)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Mushrooms: 10 oz (about 285g), sliced (use a mix of your favorite mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or button)
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated (optional)
• Fresh parsley: ¼ cup, chopped (optional)
• Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and black pepper: To taste
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for a hint of freshness)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2. Prepare the Garlic and Mushrooms:
   • While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
   • Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
3. Combine Everything:
   • Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the butter to the pan and let it melt.
   • Toss in the cooked spaghetti and mix everything well. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
   • Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Serve:
   • Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice (if using) and fresh parsley.
   • Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips:

• You can add other ingredients like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for added variety.
• For a vegan version, replace butter with vegan butter and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.