Creamy Mushroom Linguine

This creamy mushroom linguine has it all - it's quick and easy to make, low calorie, and absolutely delicious - easy enough for a weeknight recipe but fancy enough for entertaining!

Adapted from an @eatingwell recipe, I've opted for a healthier take using lighter creme fraiche and chestnut mushrooms for less fat and more antioxidants, and added spinach for some Vitamin C. This recipe also incorporates some dry white wine, which is a great excuse for having a weeknight tipple without actually having one... or using up that bottle of white wine you'd been gifted but haven't drank because you don't really drink white (confession: that's me).

INGREDIENTS (serves 4):

• 200g wholewheat linguine pasta

• 2 tablespoons rapeseed oil

• 2 tbsp minced garlic

• 300g chestnut mushrooms, sliced

• 100g baby spinach, chopped

• 1 cup diced shallots

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

• 1 cup dry white wine (I've used Sauvignon Blanc)

• ½ cup lighter crème fraîche

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish

• 1 tablespoon margarine (you can use butter)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

• finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish

METHOD:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil and garlic in a large pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

3. Add mushrooms, shallots and thyme and increase heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated and the mushrooms are starting to brown (11 to 13 minutes), then add the spinach and cook until wilted.

4. Add wine to the pan and cook until it is reduced by about half, about 3 minutes.

5. Stir in the reserved pasta water, crème fraîche, parmesan, margarine, salt and pepper.

6. Add the pasta and toss to coat. Serve topped with more parmesan and parsley, if desired.

NUTRITIONAL INFO (per serving):

440 kcal

39g carbs

19.6g fat (7.5g saturated)

13.1g protein