Laura Smith
Pesto and mushrooms are a match made in heaven, and when combined, they create a delicious vegetarian meal. The combination of mushrooms and pesto is a popular choice for pasta dishes, with many recipes available online. This pairing is not only tasty but also offers a 'meaty' texture, making it a great option for those seeking a hearty vegetarian meal. The versatility of this duo is showcased in the variety of pesto and mushroom pasta recipes, from creamy sauces to garlicky delights, and even vegan alternatives. So, whether you're a foodie or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, pesto and mushrooms are a combination worth exploring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish | Pesto Mushroom Pasta |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, Pesto, Pasta, Spinach, Basil, Nuts, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Parmesan Cheese, Sundried Tomatoes, Butter, Thyme, Onion, Cream, Milk |
| Variations | Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free |
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Suitable For | Weeknight dinner, Summer meal, Meatless Monday |
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$17.82 $17.99
Pesto mushroom pasta
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice (gluten-free or regular)
- Mushrooms (cremini, chestnut, shiitake, oyster, or white button)
- Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Spinach
- Basil
- Nuts (pine nuts, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds)
- Garlic
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice
- Optional: onions, thyme, sundried tomatoes, butter, cheese, and miso
Instructions:
First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. While waiting, thinly slice the mushrooms and chop the onions and tomatoes. Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel instead of running them under water, as this can make them soggy.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and saute for 3-4 minutes until softened. Once the water boils, add the pasta and stir occasionally. After the onions are soft, add the mushrooms and saute for 5-8 minutes until they release their liquid and turn golden brown.
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the pesto and toss to combine. You can also add some starchy pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce and help it stick to the pasta. Finally, add the sauteed mushrooms and toss everything together.
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve topped with garlic mushrooms, fresh thyme, or sundried tomatoes. Enjoy!
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Types of mushrooms
Pesto mushroom pasta is a popular dish that combines the earthy flavours of mushrooms with the freshness of pesto. While making this dish, it is important to choose the right type of mushrooms to elevate the flavours of the dish. Here are some types of mushrooms that are commonly used in pesto mushroom pasta:
Cremini Mushrooms: Also known as baby bella mushrooms, cremini mushrooms are a popular choice for this dish due to their wide availability. They have a more pronounced flavour compared to regular white button mushrooms, which can be rather bland.
Shiitake or Oyster Mushrooms: These mushrooms can also be used as an alternative to cremini. They offer a distinct flavour and texture that can enhance the dish.
Chestnut Mushrooms: Chestnut mushrooms are known for their robust flavour and are often used in mushroom pesto pasta. They can add a deeper, earthy taste to the dish.
When preparing mushrooms for pesto pasta, it is recommended to wipe them down with a damp cloth or paper towel instead of rinsing them under water. This prevents the mushrooms from becoming soggy during cooking. Additionally, cooking mushrooms in batches ensures they are perfectly browned and not overcrowded in the pan.
Furthermore, mushrooms pair well with other ingredients commonly used in pesto pasta. Sauteed onions, for example, add flavour to the dish, while sun-dried tomatoes provide a burst of colour and texture. Fresh herbs like thyme also enhance the overall flavour profile.
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Types of pesto
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce originating from Genoa in the Liguria region of northern Italy. The name 'pesto' comes from the Italian word 'pestare', meaning 'to pound or crush'. While classic pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, there are numerous types of pesto that deviate from this traditional recipe.
Sicilian Pesto
This variety contains peeled ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, garlic, and a smaller amount of extra virgin olive oil compared to traditional basil pesto.
Pesto Calabrese
A distinctive and flavourful pesto from Calabria, known for its creamy and slightly spicy profile. It incorporates cooked ingredients like onion, red bell peppers, and tomatoes, which are blended together to form the sauce.
Mint Pesto
This variety combines fresh mint with basil, pine nuts, grated Parmigiano, and extra virgin olive oil. The choice of mint used will influence the flavour of the pesto. For a milder taste, use 'nepitella' or lesser calamint, while 'menta Romana', similar to spearmint, will provide a more pronounced mint flavour.
Pistachio Pesto
The simplest version of this pesto includes pistachios, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese. However, some variations include additional ingredients like basil, mint, lemon zest, and garlic.
Arugula (Rocket) Pesto
A delightful alternative to traditional basil pesto, arugula pesto has a slightly peppery and stronger flavour. Cultivated rocket is preferred in this recipe due to its milder taste compared to wild arugula.
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
A contemporary Italian pesto variety, this type combines roasted peppers with basil leaves, grated Parmigiano cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and walnuts. It pairs well with pasta, bruschetta, white meat, fish, and serves as a dip.
Black Olive Pesto
This pesto reflects the culinary heritage of Southern Italy, a region known for its abundant olive production, especially in Calabria.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
The addition of sun-dried tomatoes to opal basil creates a pungent and intense pesto ideal for pasta, fish, and fresh green beans.
Matcha Pesto
A modern innovation, matcha pesto showcases the rich diversity of Italian pesto recipes.
Pesto Modenese
This variety is made with salami, Parmesan, garlic, and rosemary or thyme. It is typically found on pizza or bread rather than pasta.
Pesto alla Trapanese
A unique blend of basil, tomatoes, almonds, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan.
Pesto Rosso
A flavourful combination of sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, red pepper flakes, rosemary, olive oil, and garlic.
The possibilities for pesto variations are endless, and home cooks are encouraged to experiment with different ingredients to create their unique pestos.
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Other ingredients
Pesto and mushrooms are a great combination, and there are many other ingredients that can be added to this duo to create a delicious dish. Here are some ideas for other ingredients that go well with pesto and mushrooms:
Onions
Sauteed onions add flavour to the dish. Yellow or white onions are recommended, as red or green onions may compete with the pesto flavour.
Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes are a great addition. Fresh cherry tomatoes can be cooked until they burst, adding a juicy texture to the dish. Sun-dried tomatoes should be pressed with the back of a knife to remove excess oil before being added to the dish.
Cheese
Parmesan, ricotta, or soft cheese can be added to the pesto and mushroom combination. Parmesan can be stirred through the pesto sauce or grated on top of the dish. Ricotta adds a creamy texture to the dish.
Nuts
Nuts are a traditional ingredient in pesto, with pine nuts being the most commonly used. However, other nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts can also be used, providing a cheaper and more easily accessible alternative. For those with nut allergies, toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds can be used instead.
Herbs
Basil is a classic herb used in pesto, but other herbs such as parsley, cilantro, spinach, and arugula can also be used to add a unique twist to the dish. Fresh herbs are recommended, as they add more flavour to the dish.
Pasta
Pesto and mushrooms can be combined with pasta to create a filling and tasty dish. Linguine, fusilli, rotini, penne, and fettuccine are all great options, and gluten-free pasta can also be used for a more nutritious option.
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Recipe
Pesto and mushrooms are a great combination, and when paired with pasta, they create a simple, tasty, and vegetarian-friendly meal. This recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary requirements and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for a quick mid-week dinner.
Ingredients
- Pasta (any type, including gluten-free)
- Mushrooms (e.g. chestnut, cremini, shiitake, oyster, portobello, wild)
- Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
Optional extras:
- Onion
- Spinach
- Basil
- Nuts (e.g. pine nuts, almonds, pistachios, walnuts)
- Parmesan or other cheese (e.g. ricotta)
- Sundried tomatoes
- Thyme
- Cream or milk
- Garlic
Method
- If making homemade pesto, combine basil, nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until broken down, then add lemon juice, miso, salt, and pepper. With the motor running, gradually add oil and puree until smooth.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water, then cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Heat oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Add the pesto to the pot with the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- Optional: For extra flavour, sauté chopped onions in a pan before adding the mushrooms. You can also add sliced cherry or sundried tomatoes to the pan with the mushrooms.
- Serve the pasta in bowls and top with grated parmesan or another cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or fresh herbs such as basil or thyme.
Tips
- When working with mushrooms, wipe them with a damp cloth instead of rinsing them with water to avoid adding moisture to the pan.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
- This recipe is versatile and can be adapted with different types of pesto (e.g. spinach, avocado, or coriander) and pasta (e.g. fettuccine, linguine, or gluten-free options).
- For a vegan dish, use white miso as a Parmesan substitute in the pesto.
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Frequently asked questions
Pesto mushroom pasta is a simple, tasty, vegetarian meal that combines pesto, mushrooms, and pasta. It can be made in under 30 minutes and is a great mid-week dinner option.
The ingredients you need to make pesto mushroom pasta include pasta, mushrooms, pesto, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. You can also add in cherry tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese.
You can use various types of mushrooms for pesto mushroom pasta, such as cremini (baby bella), shiitake, oyster, chestnut, or portobello mushrooms. It is recommended to avoid white button mushrooms as they lack flavour.
You can use store-bought or homemade pesto for your pesto mushroom pasta. Classic pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. However, you can experiment with other herbs, greens, and nuts or seeds. For a vegan option, you can substitute white miso for Parmesan cheese.
