Mushroom Pasta Recipe 

When it comes to comfort food, pasta undoubtedly tops the list for many of us. Its versatility allows for endless creativity in the kitchen, which is often a dish that satisfies both our taste buds and our souls. If you're on a journey towards healthier eating, fear not, for we have the perfect recipe to share with you today – mushroom pasta!

Mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and unique texture, have long been a favorite ingredient among chefs and home cooks alike. But did you know that mushrooms are delicious and incredibly nutritious? Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these humble fungi offer a range of health benefits, including immune system support, improved digestion, and even potential cancer-fighting properties. When combined with the right ingredients and prepared with care, mushroom pasta becomes a wholesome and well-balanced meal that you can enjoy guilt-free.

In this post, we will share our favorite mushroom pasta recipe and step by step on how to make healthy and nourishing mushroom pasta that will leave your taste buds singing and your body thanking you. It has the potential to become one of your cherished and delicious recipes.

Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

1. Heat a large pot of salted water until it reaches a rolling boil. Introduce the pasta and follow the instructions on the package to cook pasta until it reaches an al dente texture. Keep the drained pasta aside for later use.

2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and heat up the olive oil. Introduce the minced garlic into the skillet and sauté it for approximately 1 minute until it emanates a delightful aroma. Add the Portobello and white mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture.

3. Gently scatter a layer of Herbes De Provence and crushed red pepper flakes onto the mushrooms. Stir well to combine, and let the herbs infuse into the mushrooms for a minute or two.

4. Pour in the coconut cream and stir to combine with the mushrooms. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and blend effectively. If the mushroom sauce seems too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out slightly.

5. Incorporate the frozen peas into the mixture and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are thoroughly heated. The vibrant green peas will add color and freshness to the dish.

6. Add the cooked pasta into the skillet containing the mushroom and coconut cream sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated with the creamy mushroom sauce. Cook for another minute to ensure the pasta is thoroughly heated.

7. Divide the mushroom pasta among serving plates or bowls. Enhance the presentation by adorning it with fresh parsley or basil leaves, imparting an additional burst of freshness and enticing aroma.

8. Your creamy mushroom pasta is now ready to be savored! Delight in the rich and creamy sauce combined with the earthy flavors of Portobello and white mushrooms. Indulge in this comforting dish that is guaranteed to satiate your cravings, leaving you feeling nourished and completely satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Definitely! While the recipe calls for Portobello and white mushrooms, you can experiment with different varieties like cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms. Every variety will contribute its own distinct flavor and texture to the dish.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! If you desire to include some protein in the mushroom pasta, consider incorporating cooked and seasoned tofu, sliced seitan, or even cooked chickpeas. Just add them to the dish when combining the pasta with the sauce.

Can I add vegetables other than peas?

Certainly! Feel free to personalize the recipe by incorporating additional vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Simply sauté or blanch them separately and mix them into the pasta along with the mushrooms.

What You Will Need To Make This Dish

Pasta

Pasta serves as the base of the dish and provides a satisfying and filling component. Choose your favorite types of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. It's best to use durum wheat pasta for a hearty and authentic texture. 

If possible, make pasta from scratch. Homemade pasta is surprisingly easy and cheap to make. Not to mention, they are super delicious. While homemade pasta does take some time to make, it is worth every minute. Once you start making your own pasta, you will never go back to box pasta again!

If pasta is unavailable, you can substitute it with alternatives like zucchini noodles (zoodles) or gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.

Olive oil

Olive oil is used for sautéing the garlic and mushrooms. It imparts a luscious flavor and aids in the uniform distribution of flavors across the entire dish. If olive oil is not available, you can substitute it with other vegetable oils like canola or sunflower oil.

Portobello mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms possess a substantial, meat-like texture and a profound, earthy flavor. They contribute a distinct taste to the dish and pair well with the creamy sauce. If Portobello mushrooms are unavailable, you can substitute them with cremini mushrooms or even button mushrooms. The flavor might be slightly different, but they will still provide a delightful mushroom essence.

White mushrooms

White mushrooms have a mild and delicate flavor. They contribute a delicate earthy essence to the dish, blending harmoniously with the other ingredients. If white mushrooms are unavailable, you can use other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, to bring their unique flavors to the mushroom pasta.

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness to the dish. It balances the flavors and creates a luscious sauce. If coconut cream is unavailable, you can substitute it with regular dairy cream or cashew cream for a plant-based alternative.

Garlic

Garlic infuses the dish with a robust and fragrant flavor, elevating the taste of the mushrooms and harmonizing with the other ingredients. In the absence of fresh garlic, garlic powder can serve as a substitute. Nevertheless, it's important to note that the flavor may not be as pronounced.

Frozen peas

Frozen peas add a touch of freshness and vibrant color to the mushroom pasta. They deliver a delightful burst of sweetness and create a pleasing contrast in texture. If frozen peas are not available, you can substitute them with blanched fresh peas or other green vegetables like broccoli florets or spinach.

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute for parmesan cheese. This ingredient can help thicken the sauce while adding nuttiness. If you are not a vegan or if you are a vegetarian, you can use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead.

Lemon

Adding lemon to the creamy mushroom pasta recipe can bring a refreshing and tangy element to the dish. Squeezing fresh lemon juice into the mushroom pasta sauce just before serving can add a bright and citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce. It adds a zesty kick and balances the creaminess, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Herbes De Provence

Herbes De Provence is a combination of dried herbs, commonly featuring thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, and occasionally lavender. It introduces a fragrant and herbaceous element to the dish, elevating the overall flavor profile. If Herbes De Provence is not available, you can make a homemade blend using equal parts of dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and marjoram.

Crushed red pepper flakes

Crushed red pepper flakes add a hint of spiciness and a kick of flavor to the dish. They elevate the overall taste profile. If you prefer a milder option, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper are vital for seasoning the mushroom pasta, intensifying the flavors of the other components. Customize the quantity based on your personal taste preferences.

How To Elevate This Recipe

Caramelized onions

Add depth and sweetness to the dish by caramelizing thinly sliced onions alongside the mushrooms. Slowly and gently cook them in a separate pan until they achieve a luscious golden brown color and a tender texture. Mix them in with the mushrooms before adding the sauce.

Wine reduction

After sautéing the mushrooms and onions, deglaze the skillet by adding a splash of white wine. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly before adding the coconut cream. This step adds complexity and depth to the sauce.

Fresh herbs

Incorporate a handful of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to infuse the dish with aromatic flavors. Finely chop the herbs and incorporate them into the skillet alongside the mushrooms and garlic.

Toasted nuts

Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the mushroom pasta before serving. Toasting the nuts enhances their natural flavors and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.

Truffle oil

Drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the finished mushroom pasta just before serving to add a luxurious and earthy note. Truffle oil pairs exceptionally well with mushrooms and elevates the overall flavor profile.

Parmesan cheese/ Nutritional Yeast

For a savory kick, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast over the mushroom pasta before serving. The salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan and nutritional yeast complements the mushrooms and adds richness to the dish.

Roasted garlic

Opt for roasted whole garlic cloves instead of minced garlic by baking them in the oven until they become tender and develop a rich caramelized flavor. Squeeze out the roasted garlic paste and mix it into the sauce for a mellow and sweet garlic flavor.

Pasta water emulsion

When combining the cooked pasta with the sauce, reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water. Gradually add it to the skillet while tossing the pasta and sauce together. The starchy reserved pasta water helps create a silky and emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.

How do I store leftover mushroom pasta?

For any leftovers, preserve them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for a duration of 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or coconut milk to the pasta to restore its creamy texture and prevent it from becoming dry.