Sarah Brown
Mushroom spaghetti is a tasty, vegetarian-friendly meal that can be whipped up in just 20 minutes. It's a great way to showcase mushrooms, which are the star of the dish, and is a simple, juicy, and delicious meal. The recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to make it your own by adding a splash of cream, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or extra vegetables. You can even add ground beef, chicken, shrimp, or lentils to bump up the protein content. With just six ingredients, this classic Italian dish is saucy, satisfying, and incredibly tasty.
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What You'll Learn
Sautéing the mushrooms
Firstly, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or butter and oil together. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced mushrooms. It is recommended to use fresh mushrooms, as they are preferred over canned mushrooms. White mushrooms have the most subtle flavour, but any type of cooking mushroom will work.
Next, cook the mushrooms until they are tender and browned. This should take around 5-7 minutes. It is important to cook the mushrooms on medium-high heat to prevent them from becoming soggy. Cooking on high heat allows the water released by the mushrooms to be absorbed quickly. You will know the mushrooms are done when they are well browned and their moisture has evaporated. This caramelization process enhances the umami taste of the dish and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
Once the mushrooms are cooked, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine or broth. This step adds extra depth to your sauce by lifting the flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
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Adding garlic
Garlic is a key ingredient in mushroom spaghetti, adding a savoury, aromatic flavour to the dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to adding garlic to your mushroom spaghetti:
Firstly, prepare your garlic cloves by finely chopping or pressing them. Freshly pressed garlic will impart the most flavour, but jarred garlic can also be used in a pinch.
Next, heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic to the pan and sauté. Continue to sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. This should take around two minutes.
At this point, you can add the mushrooms to the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Cook the mushrooms until they are browned and tender, but still slightly crunchy. If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook the mushrooms for a longer period. However, be mindful that cooking mushrooms on low heat for too long can make them release moisture and become soggy.
Once the mushrooms are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a plate. Return the pan to the heat and add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the remaining garlic and sauté until aromatic.
Finally, add your pureed tomatoes, salt, and any other seasonings or spices you wish to include, such as red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning. Cook the tomato sauce until it thickens and the raw flavour cooks out. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it is too acidic, a teaspoon of sugar can be added, and if it is too sweet, a dash of balsamic vinegar can balance the flavours.
Now, you can add your cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss everything together. If the dish looks dry, you can add a bit more oil or pasta cooking water to moisten it. Serve your garlicky mushroom spaghetti immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and cheese.
Enjoy your homemade mushroom spaghetti, loaded with the savoury, aromatic flavours of garlic!
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Using fresh vs. canned mushrooms
When it comes to adding mushrooms to spaghetti, there are two options: using fresh mushrooms or canned mushrooms. Both have their advantages and can affect the taste, texture, and appearance of the dish.
Fresh mushrooms are often favoured for their earthy taste and flavour. When used in spaghetti, they can add a rich, savoury, and complex flavour profile to the dish. They are also versatile and can be sliced to your desired thickness. However, fresh mushrooms may require more preparation time as they need to be cleaned, sliced, and cooked. They also have a shorter shelf life compared to canned mushrooms.
On the other hand, canned mushrooms offer convenience and a longer shelf life. They are already cooked and sometimes sliced, making them easier to use and reducing the overall cooking time. Canned mushrooms can also be more affordable, as they often contain blemished or imperfect mushrooms. While some people may perceive canned mushrooms as having a vinegary taste or a rubbery texture, others prefer them for certain dishes.
When deciding between fresh and canned mushrooms for spaghetti, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific recipe. Fresh mushrooms are ideal for enhancing the flavour and creating a more gourmet dish, while canned mushrooms are excellent for convenience and a longer-lasting option.
Additionally, it is worth noting that different types of mushrooms are available in cans, such as button, straw, and shiitake mushrooms. These varieties can add unique flavours and textures to your spaghetti dish.
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Making a creamy mushroom sauce
A creamy mushroom sauce is a versatile addition to your culinary arsenal, pairing well with pasta, chicken, steak, and more. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious and creamy mushroom sauce.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Mushrooms (Swiss Brown/Cremini, Portobello, Oyster, Shiitake, or a mix of your choice)
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Cream (heavy cream, half-and-half, light cream, or milk)
- White wine or red wine (optional)
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Melt butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan. Ensure they are dry before cooking, as they will absorb water and become soggy. Cook until they release their juices and start to brown. For more intense flavor, allow them to brown well.
- Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper.
- Add garlic and thyme to the pan and cook until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- For an extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with wine. This step is optional but recommended. Pour in the wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce and almost evaporate.
- Add the broth and cream to the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer the sauce gently for about 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a thicker sauce, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water or broth, and add it to the sauce.
- If desired, add some fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten the flavors.
Your creamy mushroom sauce is now ready to be tossed with your favorite pasta or used in any other dish you prefer. Enjoy!
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Adding meat or plant-based proteins
If you're looking to add meat to your spaghetti with mushrooms, ground beef is a popular option. For a lower-fat alternative, opt for extra lean ground beef. You can also use other types of ground meat, such as ground turkey, veal, or chicken. Simply cook the ground meat of your choice with the mushrooms and spices to create a hearty sauce.
For those seeking plant-based protein options, there are several delicious choices available. Walnuts, for instance, can be processed into small pieces and added to your spaghetti sauce. They provide a "'meaty'" texture and are packed with antioxidants, plant-based omega-3s, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, they contribute 5 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving.
Another plant-based option is to use beans, legumes, or vegan meat substitutes. Cannellini beans, chickpeas, or any type of bean can be mixed into your noodle dish, adding 6 to 8 grams of protein per 1/2-cup serving. If you're looking for a dairy-based plant protein, tofu is a great option to replace ricotta cheese in your pasta dishes.
Lastly, you can also boost the protein content of your spaghetti with mushrooms by adding more vegetables. For example, 1 cup of broccoli adds 2 grams of protein to your meal. Finely chop your chosen vegetables and add them to your sauce for a boost in nutritional value and a chunky texture.
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Frequently asked questions
White mushrooms have the most subtle flavour, but any type of cooking mushroom will work.
Cook the mushrooms on medium-high heat until they're well browned and their moisture has evaporated. This will give them a rich flavour and prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
You can add ground beef, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables such as onions, celery, bell peppers, carrots, or spinach.
Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are good options, but you can also use vegan-friendly cheese if you prefer.
It usually takes around 20 minutes to prepare and cook mushroom spaghetti.
