Delicious & Creamy Mushroom Pasta: Your New Go-To Recipe
Discover a truly rich and creamy mushroom pasta recipes that will quickly become your family’s favorite. This incredible dish achieves a luscious texture without any heavy cream, relying instead on simple techniques and fresh ingredients. Packed with savory, umami flavor from a medley of mushrooms, it’s the perfect satisfying meal.
Dive deeper into the distinct taste of mushrooms by exploring recent scientific research on mushroom umami.
Best of all, it’s quick and easy, ideal for those busy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Mushroom Pasta
- Effortlessly Delicious & Quick Prep: Follow simple steps to achieve gourmet taste, ready in about 30 minutes.
- Creamy Without Cream: We use starchy pasta water to create a silky, rich sauce you’ll adore.
- Umami-Rich: A generous mix of fresh mushrooms delivers deep, earthy flavors in every bite.
- Mediterranean Inspired & Versatile: Enjoy wholesome, fresh ingredients that adapt easily to your pantry staples.
- Family Favorite: This comforting dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Crafting delicious mushroom pasta recipes starts with fresh, quality ingredients. You’ll need a mix of short pasta, a variety of mushrooms, and pantry staples to build this flavorful sauce. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the dish’s rich, savory profile.
- 8 ounces short pasta, (like penne or rigatoni (I used Toscani))
- Kosher salt
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 shallots, (minced)
- 5 garlic cloves, (minced)
- 8 ounces Baby Bella Mushrooms, (sliced)
- 8 ounces white mushrooms, (sliced)
- 8 ounces portobello mushrooms, (roughly chopped)
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup dry red wine ((I used merlot))
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup packed chopped parsley
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- Red pepper flakes, (to taste (optional))
Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta: Feel free to use any preferred short pasta shape you have on hand.
- Seasoning: Substitute dried thyme or marjoram for rosemary if desired.
- Olive Oil: Always opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Butter: You can use ghee or simply add extra olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Shallots: A small yellow onion works perfectly as a substitute for shallots.
- Garlic: Adjust the quantity of garlic to your personal preference, or omit it if sensitive.
- Mushrooms: Any combination of fresh mushrooms will deliver fantastic results.
- Red Wine: Use chicken or vegetable broth as an alcohol-free alternative to dry red wine.
- Parmesan: Omit the Parmesan for a dairy-free meal, or use your favorite vegan parmesan alternative.
- Parsley: Fresh basil offers a lovely, aromatic alternative to fresh parsley.
- Walnuts: Swap walnuts for pine nuts, slivered almonds, or simply omit them entirely.
- Mediterranean Diet: Choose whole wheat pasta to align with Mediterranean dietary principles.
- Vegan Option: For a completely vegan dish, omit both the butter and the Parmesan cheese.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You won’t need anything fancy for this simple yet delicious mushroom pasta recipe.
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large skillet for preparing the sauce
- Wooden spoon or tongs for stirring and tossing
- Cutting board and sharp knife for ingredient prep
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a truly irresistible creamy mushroom pasta. This beginner-friendly guide ensures you’ll master this delicious dish, perfect for any weeknight. These detailed steps help you cook one of the best mushroom pasta recipes at home.
- Boil the pasta. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook the pasta. Add your chosen pasta to the boiling water and cook it until it’s al dente, following the package instructions.
- Reserve water and drain. Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Then, drain the cooked pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté aromatics. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter together over medium-high heat. Add the minced shallots and garlic, cooking and tossing regularly for 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful to manage the heat so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Sauté the mushrooms. Add all the sliced and chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil if the pan looks dry. Season the mushrooms with the dried rosemary and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss occasionally for about 7 to 10 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to turn golden brown and release their flavorful juices.
- Build the sauce. Stir in the tomato paste, dry red wine, and about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly. This step develops the rich base for our mushroom pasta.
- Combine ingredients. Add the drained, cooked pasta directly to the mushroom sauce in the skillet and toss gently to combine everything. If the pasta looks a bit dry, add a splash more of the reserved pasta cooking water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Finish the dish. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Finish by adding the fresh chopped parsley and crunchy walnuts. Sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste if you enjoy a little heat.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade, creamy mushroom pasta while it’s warm and fresh!
Pro Tips for Perfect Mushroom Pasta
- Dry mushrooms thoroughly: Wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth instead of washing them to prevent sogginess. For the best texture and flavor, many chefs recommend specific culinary tips for cleaning mushrooms.
- Slice mushrooms evenly: Aim for consistent 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking and browning.
- Don’t overcrowd skillet: Cook mushrooms in batches if your pan is too full to achieve proper searing.
- Use enough fat: Mushrooms absorb oil quickly, so add more olive oil if the pan appears dry during sautéing.
- Season generously: Salt helps draw out moisture and concentrates the savory mushroom flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente: This ensures the pasta retains a pleasant bite and doesn’t become mushy with the sauce.
- Adjust sauce consistency: Use the reserved pasta water incrementally to achieve your desired level of creaminess.
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor: Always finish your mushroom pasta recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Side Salad: Complement the rich pasta with a crisp lemon parmesan lettuce salad.
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside for dipping into the delicious sauce.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy this dish with a dry red wine, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir, for a perfect pairing.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool Completely: Always let your mushroom pasta recipe cool down entirely before storing it.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the pasta and mushroom textures can change significantly upon thawing.
Variations
- Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach, chopped kale, or peppery arugula during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Herb Twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or sage to change the aromatic profile.
- Creamy Vegan: For a richer, dairy-free sauce, incorporate cashew cream or a swirl of full-fat coconut milk.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 448.7 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 49.1g |
| Protein | 13.2g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g |
| Cholesterol | 0.4mg |
| Sodium | 120.8mg |
| Fiber | 4.7g |
| Sugar | 7.9g |
| Vitamin A | 822.6 IU |
| Vitamin C | 16mg |
| Calcium | 57.6mg |
| Iron | 2.6mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q: How do you make mushroom pasta creamy without cream?
A: We achieve a rich, creamy texture by utilizing the starchy pasta water. This emulsifies with the olive oil and butter, creating a luscious sauce.
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Q: What kind of pasta is best for mushroom pasta?
A: Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work wonderfully. Their grooves and tubes hold onto the savory mushroom sauce beautifully.
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Q: Can I use dried mushrooms in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely use dried mushrooms. Make sure to rehydrate them first in warm water, then chop and add them as you would fresh mushrooms.
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Q: Is this mushroom pasta vegetarian-friendly?
A: Yes, this creamy mushroom pasta recipe is naturally vegetarian, making it a great option for meatless meals.
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Q: What are the best tips for cooking mushrooms?
A: Always wipe your mushrooms clean, avoid overcrowding the skillet, and season them generously to draw out their moisture and flavor.
Conclusion
You’ve now mastered a truly satisfying and flavorful mushroom pasta recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish is wonderfully creamy, packed with umami, and remarkably quick to prepare, making it a staple for busy weeknights. Enjoy this healthy, simple meal that delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort. We’d love for you to share your experience with this delicious and easy dish!