Tagliatelle with Mushroom Sauce and Meatballs: 7 Secrets
Introduction
There are pasta dishes… and then there are dishes that feel like home.
This tagliatelle with mushroom sauce and meatballs recipe is one of those timeless, comforting meals that bring everyone to the table. Tender homemade meatballs simmered in a creamy porcini mushroom sauce, lightly enhanced with white wine and paprika, served over silky tagliatelle — it’s hearty, rich, and deeply satisfying.
It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again. No surprise you cook it twice a week 😉
Whether for Sunday dinner, family gatherings, or cozy winter evenings, this pasta recipe delivers restaurant-level flavor with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Tagliatelle with Mushroom Sauce and Meatballs
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🍝 Comfort food at its finest
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🍄 Deep mushroom flavor from porcini
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🧄 Juicy, flavorful homemade meatballs
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🥂 Elegant white wine touch
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👨👩👧👦 Perfect for family meals
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🥄 Creamy yet balanced sauce
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❄️ Ideal for colder seasons (high Pinterest performance)
This dish balances richness and freshness beautifully. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet (Easy 30-Minute)
⏱ Time & Servings
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Preparation time: 30 minutes
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Cooking time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour
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Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
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850g mixed minced meat (beef/pork)
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1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley
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2 cloves garlic
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3 onions
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1 tablespoon oil
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50g breadcrumbs
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4–5 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 medium egg
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Salt and pepper
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2 teaspoons clarified butter
For the Sauce & Pasta
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200g tagliatelle
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400g button mushrooms
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1 sachet (67g) porcini mushroom cream powder
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100 ml dry white wine
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200g thick fresh cream
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1 tablespoon clarified butter
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1–2 teaspoons sweet paprika
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Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Preparation
1️⃣ Prepare the Aromatics
Finely chop parsley.
Mince garlic and slice onions.
Separate portions for meatballs and sauce.
2️⃣ Make the Meatball Mixture
Sauté garlic and onions in oil for 2–3 minutes until soft.
In a large bowl combine:
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Minced meat
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Sautéed aromatics
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Parsley
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Breadcrumbs
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3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
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Egg
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Salt & pepper
Mix gently until homogeneous.
3️⃣ Shape & Brown the Meatballs
Form ping-pong sized balls (~50g).
Heat clarified butter and brown in batches for about 5 minutes, turning regularly.
Set aside once golden.
4️⃣ Cook the Tagliatelle
Boil salted water.
Cook tagliatelle until al dente.
Drain and keep warm.
5️⃣ Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large pan, melt clarified butter.
Add mushrooms and sauté over high heat for 2 minutes.
Add remaining onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes.
6️⃣ Create the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Dissolve porcini cream powder in 300 ml hot water.
Season mushrooms.
Add white wine and reduce for 1 minute.
Pour porcini mixture into pan.
Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Add:
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Thick cream
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Paprika
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1–2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Adjust seasoning.
7️⃣ Final Assembly
Add meatballs gently into sauce.
Simmer without boiling for a few minutes.
Sprinkle remaining parsley.
Serve over hot tagliatelle.
7 Powerful Secrets for Perfect Results
1️⃣ Brown, Don’t Steam
Cook meatballs in batches to develop flavor.
2️⃣ Use Porcini for Depth
Porcini mushrooms intensify umami.
3️⃣ Don’t Overcook Pasta
Al dente texture balances creamy sauce.
4️⃣ Reduce Wine Properly
This removes alcohol harshness.
5️⃣ Season in Layers
Season meat, mushrooms, and sauce separately.
6️⃣ Finish Gently
Avoid boiling once cream is added.
7️⃣ Rest Before Serving
Let dish sit 3–5 minutes to thicken naturally.
Tips & Variations
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Add grated Parmesan before serving
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Use turkey or chicken mince
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Replace white wine with vegetable stock
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Add chili flakes for heat
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Mix cremini + porcini for richer mushroom profile
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate up to 3 days
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Reheat gently on low heat
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Add splash of milk if sauce thickens
Nutritional Insight
This dish provides:
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High protein from meat
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B vitamins from mushrooms
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Energy from pasta
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Healthy fats from cream
For more information about mushroom nutrition, you can consult
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze meatballs and sauce separately for best texture.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Sauce tastes even better next day.
What pasta can replace tagliatelle?
Fettuccine or pappardelle work perfectly.
Can I make it without cream powder?
Yes, use fresh porcini blended into cream.
Conclusion
This tagliatelle with mushroom sauce and meatballs recipe is rich, comforting, and full of character. It’s a perfect balance between rustic family cooking and elegant presentation.