This pasta sauce is creamy and rich and combines two favorite flavors . . . mushrooms and garlic. As long as you can make a simple roux, you can whip this sauce up in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for impressing company. It’s also the perfect way to surprise your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day with a little something different.

Garlic Mushroom Pasta Sauce

Serves 4

1/4 lb button mushrooms, chopped small
3 cloves garlic
2 Tblsp. olive oil

Roux
1 c. milk
1/2 c. chicken broth
3 Tblsp butter
3 Tblsp flour
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
salt to taste

In a frying pan, heat the oil over low heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook without stirring for 3 minutes or until the mushrooms brown a little on the bottoms. Stir and continue cooking until tender. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour until well incorporated. Stir frequently until the mixture changes color slightly.

Whisk in the milk slowly, avoiding lumps. Add the broth and whisk frequently until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the mushroom mixture, including the oil and stir well. Simmer until the sauce is the thickness you desire. Serve over pasta or rice.