Mushroom And Pesto: A Match Made In Heaven?

Mushrooms and pesto are a match made in heaven, and when combined with pasta, they create a simple, tasty, and versatile dish. This combination is a favourite for many, from busy parents to those looking for a cosy night in. The earthy flavour of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the freshness of pesto, and the addition of pasta makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you're a meat-lover or a vegetarian, this trio of ingredients offers something for everyone, and with endless variations, it's a dish that never gets boring.

Pesto mushroom pasta

Ingredients

The ingredients for pesto mushroom pasta can be easily sourced and are quite flexible. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but shorter pasta shapes are recommended as they allow the pesto to get into all the crevices. Examples include farfalle, orecchiette, gemelli, shells, fusilli, bucatini, capellini, spaghettini, fettuccine, linguine, rotini, or penne.
• Mushrooms: Common varieties used include shiitake, cremini, button mushrooms, baby bella, and white mushrooms. You can choose the type of mushrooms based on your preference.
• Pesto: You can make homemade pesto or use store-bought pesto. Homemade pesto is made by blending basil, spinach, pine nuts or other nuts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also get creative and add ingredients like avocado, pistachio, cilantro, or harissa for unique flavours.
• Other ingredients: You will also need olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning. Additionally, you can include shallots, red pepper flakes, miso, and thyme for extra flavour.

Instructions

• Boil a large pot of water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to generously salt the water. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it, and reserve about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and season them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like red pepper flakes and thyme. Cook the mushrooms until they are golden brown and release their juices, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes.
• If using shallots and garlic, add them to the skillet before or with the mushrooms. You can also add miso to the mushrooms for an umami flavour.
• In a separate bowl, make the pesto by combining the basil, spinach, nuts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor and blending until smooth. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the mushrooms, pesto, and a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to the pot. Toss everything together until well combined. The pasta cooking water helps to emulsify the sauce and makes it stick better to the pasta.
• Serve the pesto mushroom pasta in bowls. You can top it with additional ingredients like pine nuts, grated cheese, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy it while it's hot!

Tips and Variations

• Pesto mushroom pasta can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference.
• If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge and reheat them on the stovetop. However, it is best served fresh.
• For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian parmesan or another hard Italian cheese instead of regular parmesan.
• If you want to add more vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes go well with this dish. Just remember to remove excess oil from the tomatoes before adding them.
• Pesto mushroom pasta pairs well with garlic bread or a chopped or Caesar salad on the side.

Sautéed mushrooms with pesto

Ingredients

For this recipe, you can use a variety of mushrooms such as enoki, shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms. You can also experiment with different types of herbs, nuts or seeds for the pesto. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:

• Mushrooms
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Miso (optional)
• Shallots or onion
• Garlic
• Tarragon or other herbs (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Pine nuts (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
• Add the mushrooms to the pan and season with salt and pepper. For a spicier version, you can also add red pepper flakes.
• Let the mushrooms cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes to get a nice golden brown sear.
• Continue cooking the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 10 minutes, until they are soft and well-browned.
• Add the shallots or onion and garlic to the pan and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
• If using miso, add it to the pan and stir until incorporated into the mushrooms.
• Turn the heat to low and stir in the lemon juice (if using), and vinegar or tamari.
• Turn off the heat and sprinkle with fresh tarragon or other herbs of your choice.
• Serve hot as a side dish or with pasta, polenta, pizza, or any other main course.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Serve it as a side dish with your favourite protein or a hearty pasta dish.
• Try it on polenta or in a grain bowl with farro and roasted chickpeas.
• Use it as a pizza topping or in a sandwich, like a tofu banh mi.
• Toss it with noodles, such as sesame soba noodles.
• For a creamier texture, add some butter or stir in some grated cheese, such as hard Italian cheese or vegetarian Parmesan.
• Deglaze the pan with white wine instead of vinegar or tamari.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms, herbs, nuts, and seeds to find your favourite combination.

Types of pesto to use

Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce that originated in Genoa, in the Liguria region of northern Italy. The name 'pesto' comes from the Italian word 'pestare', meaning 'to pound' or 'to crush'. While the traditional method of preparation involves crushing the ingredients with a mortar and pestle, today, many people use a food processor.

There are many types of pesto to choose from, and you can use either store-bought or homemade pesto in your mushroom dish. Here are some types of pesto that would pair well with mushrooms:

• Basil Pesto: This is one of the most popular types of pesto and can be made with basil, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, miso, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• Spinach Basil Pesto: A super fresh and flavourful option that combines spinach and basil.
• Sicilian Pesto: This variety contains peeled ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
• Mint Pesto: A refreshing option for summer, combining fresh mint, basil, pine nuts, grated Parmigiano, and extra virgin olive oil.
• Pistachio Pesto: The simplest version includes pistachios, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese, but you can add other ingredients like basil, mint, lemon zest, and garlic.
• Arugula (Rocket) Pesto: A delightful alternative with a slightly peppery and stronger flavour. Cultivated rocket is preferred due to its milder taste.
• Roasted Red Pepper Pesto: A contemporary Italian variety with a fabulous flavour. It combines roasted peppers, basil, grated Parmigiano cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and walnuts.

These are just a few examples of the many types of pesto you can use with mushrooms. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and create your own unique pesto recipe!

How to cook the mushrooms

Firstly, select your mushrooms. Common varieties used in this dish include shiitake, cremini (baby bella), and button mushrooms. However, feel free to use other types, such as oyster mushrooms, or a mix of different mushrooms.

Next, prepare your mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any soil. Do not rinse them under water, as they can become spongy and absorb too much liquid. If you are using baby mushrooms, you may not need to clean them at all.

Now, it's time to cook the mushrooms. Heat some olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. You can also use an avocado oil spray. If you are using butter, melt it first before adding the other ingredients. Once the skillet is hot, add your mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like red pepper flakes or garlic for extra flavour. Cook the mushrooms for about 5 to 10 minutes, tossing or stirring them occasionally until they turn golden brown and release their juices. You may also add some minced garlic at this stage for extra flavour.

Once the mushrooms are cooked to your liking, you can add them to your pasta and pesto, or use them in other dishes like salads or sandwiches. If you want to make a mushroom pesto sauce, transfer the cooked mushrooms to a blender, add other sauce ingredients, and blend until you reach your desired consistency.

Finally, enjoy your delicious and flavourful mushrooms! This dish is perfect as a cozy weeknight dinner or even for meal prep, as leftovers are also tasty.

Serving suggestions

Mushrooms and pesto are a versatile combination that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Pasta

One popular way to serve mushrooms with pesto is to combine them with pasta. This dish can be easily customised to suit different preferences and dietary needs. For example, you can use store-bought or homemade pesto, and choose from a variety of mushrooms such as shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms. To elevate the dish, you can add ingredients like shallots, garlic, miso, and red pepper flakes. Don't forget to reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce and enhance its creaminess.

Sautéed Mushrooms with Pesto

If you're looking for a simpler dish, you can sauté mushrooms and combine them with basil pesto. This dish can be served as a side or paired with proteins like chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp. For an appetiser, consider spreading pesto mushrooms on crostini and topping them with mozzarella or Jack cheese.

Salad

Pesto pasta with mushrooms can also be served as a salad. Pair it with a chopped or Caesar salad for a refreshing and flavourful meal.

Bread

To make your meal more filling and indulgent, consider serving your mushroom pesto pasta with garlic bread or sourdough bread.

Toppings and Sides

When serving mushrooms with pesto, you can enhance the dish with various toppings and sides. A dollop of soft cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, can add a creamy texture. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavours, and a sprinkle of Parmesan or pine nuts can add a savoury touch. If you're serving this dish as a side, consider adding a salad or roasted vegetables.

With these serving suggestions, you can create delicious and versatile meals featuring mushrooms and pesto.

Frequently asked questions