Easy and Flavorful Mushroom Pasta Recipe

The addition of lemon zest, parsley, and Parmesan cheese give it a burst of freshness and complexity of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Tips for cooking mushroom pasta

The key to this pasta recipe is the rich and creamy sauce, which allows the mushrooms to shine with their robust, savory meaty flavor.

For a great taste, it's best to use a variety of mushrooms such as feathery maitakes, meaty oyster mushrooms, and woodsy shiitakes.

While crimini mushrooms or larger portobello mushrooms can also work, they may lack complexity in taste. On the other hand, white button mushrooms, being less mature, won't provide the same depth of flavor as the other mushroom varieties.

To enhance the mushroom flavor, it's important to sear them over medium-high heat and give them space in the pan to release steam and develop crispy brown bits.  You can also roast the mushrooms in the airfryer to deepen the flavor.

Holding off on adding salt until the mushrooms are removed from the pan can also help intensify their taste.

Make sure to remove the pasta from the boiling water that has been generously salted while it is still a bit firm since it will complete cooking in the creamy mushroom sauce.

Additionally, keep in mind to reserve some of the pasta cooking water as it is crucial in blending the sauce.

You may also choose to sprinkle red pepper flakes and extra Parmesan cheese on top of the dish as a garnish.

Ingredients

500g spaghetti or pasta

500g mushroom of choice cut into bite-size pieces

15g Parmesan cheeses, finely grated

4 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil

2 medium spring onions, finely chopped

½ cup heavy cream

⅓ cup finely chopped parsley

Zest and juice of ½ lemon

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Extra grated cheese, garnish

Procedure

In a large pot such, heat up two tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Cook half of the mushrooms in one layer without disturbance until the edges start to brown and become crispy, which should take about 3 minutes.

Give the mushrooms a toss and keep cooking while occasionally tossing until all sides turn brown and crispy, which should take about 5 more minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mushrooms to a plate and season them with salt.

Repeat the same process with the remaining two tablespoons of oil and mushrooms, adding more salt if needed.

Once all the mushrooms are cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low and return all of them back to the pot.

Add the spring onions and cook while stirring often until they become translucent and soft, which should take about 2 minutes.

While the mushrooms are cooking, prepare the pasta by boiling it in a large pot of salted water.

Stir the pasta occasionally until it reaches a very firm texture, which is about 2 minutes less than what the package instructions recommend.

Transfer the cooked pasta into the pot with the mushrooms, add cream and 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.

Increase the heat to medium, bring the mixture to a simmer, and continue cooking while constantly tossing the pasta until it reaches a firm yet tender texture and the liquid slightly thickens, which should take about 3 minutes.

Once done, remove the pot from the heat and add lemon zest and juice, parsley, butter, ½ oz. of Parmesan, and plenty of pepper.

Toss all the ingredients together to blend them well. Taste the food and add more salt if necessary. Divide the pasta into separate bowls and sprinkle more Parmesan on top before serving.

Foods that pair well with this pasta dish

Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great complement to the richness of the mushroom pasta. Try a simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Garlic bread: A slice of warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy mushroom sauce. You can make your own garlic bread by toasting slices of bread with butter and minced garlic.

Grilled vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers can add a nice crunch and smoky flavor to your meal. Simply slice the vegetables, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them until tender.

Roasted chicken: A piece of roasted or grilled chicken can add some protein to your meal and balance out the richness of the pasta.

Conclusion

If you're a fan of earthy and savory flavors, then this mushroom pasta recipe is definitely worth trying out.

From the first bite to the last, this mushroom pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that will have you coming back for seconds. With every forkful of this mushroom pasta, you'll savor the perfect blend of textures and flavors that will leave you feeling completely satisfied and happy.