Michael Davis
Mushroom pasta is a delicious, savoury dish that is surprisingly easy to make. The key to a tasty mushroom pasta is in the mushrooms themselves, with some recipes calling for a 3:1 mushroom-to-pasta ratio. The type of mushroom used is also important, with some recipes recommending white button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, baby bellas, shiitakes, or oyster mushrooms. To avoid a soggy mushroom, it's important not to crowd the pan, allowing the mushrooms to brown and crisp up. The pasta itself can be any long or short strand variety, such as orecchiette, penne, or macaroni. The sauce can be made without cream, using a combination of butter, olive oil, and pasta water to create a silky, creamy texture. For extra flavour, garlic, shallots, white wine, and Parmesan cheese can be added, with a side of garlic bread to complete the meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Main course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Main ingredients | Mushrooms, pasta, garlic, shallots, Parmesan cheese, butter, olive oil |
| Other ingredients | White wine, rosemary, mustard, lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes |
| Notes | Use a variety of mushrooms for depth of flavor, e.g. white button, baby bella, portobello, shiitake, cremini, Swiss brown |
| Serving suggestions | Side salad, garlic bread, tiramisu |
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What You'll Learn
Types of mushrooms to use
Mushroom pasta is a tasty and juicy dish that can be made in several ways. The key to a good mushroom pasta lies in the types of mushrooms used. Here are some of the best mushroom varieties to use:
White Button Mushrooms
White button mushrooms are a versatile and affordable option for mushroom pasta. They are widely available and can be easily found in most grocery stores. White button mushrooms have a mild flavour and a delicate texture, making them a perfect base for your pasta dish. They go well with other mushroom varieties, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Cremini Mushrooms (Baby Bellas)
Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella mushrooms, offer a more robust flavour than white button mushrooms. They have a slightly earthy taste and a firmer texture. Cremini mushrooms are also readily available and provide a beautiful brown colour to your pasta, adding visual appeal to the dish.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are the mature version of cremini mushrooms. They are large and meaty and have a rich, intense flavour. Portobello mushrooms are perfect for adding a hearty texture and a deep, savoury note to your pasta. Their large caps can be sliced or chopped into bite-sized pieces, providing a satisfying bite in every mouthful.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are known for their distinct umami flavour and meaty texture. They add a savoury, almost buttery taste to the pasta. Shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in Asian cuisine and can be found fresh or dried. When using dried shiitake mushrooms, it is essential to rehydrate them before adding them to your pasta dish.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms have a delicate flavour and a unique, wavy shape. They are typically found fresh and should be torn into bite-sized pieces rather than sliced. Oyster mushrooms add a subtle earthy taste and a tender texture to your pasta, creating a more refined and elegant dish.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms, also known as hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, have a complex flavour profile with notes of spice and earthiness. They have a unique appearance, with clusters of frilly caps. Maitake mushrooms are best torn into smaller pieces before being added to the pasta, creating a rustic and wild mushroom dish.
When making mushroom pasta, you can use a single type of mushroom or a combination of different varieties to create a more complex and flavourful dish. Experiment with the types of mushrooms available in your local market or grocery store, and don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect blend.
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How to sauté mushrooms
Sautéing mushrooms is a great way to add flavour to a dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sauté mushrooms:
Preparation
Firstly, clean the mushrooms with a damp towel or give them a quick rinse and dry. Then, cut the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces. It is important not to cut them too thin as they will shrink while cooking. Aim for thick, meaty pieces.
Cooking
Use a combination of oil and butter to cook the mushrooms. This allows for cooking at a high temperature and brings flavour. Heat the oil and butter in a medium to large pan over medium-high heat. It is important not to overcrowd the pan, so cook the mushrooms in small batches. Add the mushrooms to the pan, leaving space between them. Cook the mushrooms for 3-5 minutes before turning. Stir and allow the mushrooms to finish cooking for a couple of minutes.
Seasoning
Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices such as rosemary. If you want to add garlic, shallots, or herbs like thyme and parsley, add them towards the end of cooking.
Deglazing
After sautéing the mushrooms, you will notice bits of the mushroom clinging to the bottom of the pan. This is full of flavour and can be infused back into the mushrooms by deglazing. Add a few tablespoons of water, wine, stock, cream, or sherry to the pan and keep the temperature up. Stir until the liquid evaporates.
Storage
Mushrooms can be sautéed ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen but this may change their texture. To freeze, spread the mushrooms on a cookie sheet and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
Now that you know how to sauté mushrooms, you can add them to your mushroom pasta. Mushroom pasta is a simple yet delicious dish. You can use any type of long or short pasta, such as orecchiette, penne, or macaroni. Sautéed mushrooms add a rich, savoury flavour to the pasta. To make it even more indulgent, serve it with garlic bread and finish your meal with tiramisu.
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What to serve with mushroom pasta
Mushroom pasta is a delicious and indulgent meal, and there are several sides that can be served with it. Here are some ideas:
Garlic Bread
A classic side dish to any pasta, garlic bread is an obvious choice to accompany mushroom pasta. Cheesy garlic bread is an even more indulgent option, and if you really want to impress, you could try cheese and garlic crack bread!
Salad
A fresh, crisp side salad can help to balance out the richness of the mushroom pasta. A simple garden salad with a balsamic, French, or Italian dressing would be ideal. Alternatively, a heartier salad like a Caesar or Greek salad could also work well.
Tiramisu
For a truly indulgent Italian meal, finish with tiramisu for dessert. This classic Italian dessert is the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
Wine
A glass of wine can be a great way to enhance your dining experience. A crisp white wine or a full-bodied red would pair well with the earthy flavours of the mushroom pasta.
Protein
If you're looking for a more substantial meal, you can add some extra protein to your mushroom pasta. Grilled chicken, juicy skillet chicken, garlic shrimp, or poached salmon are all great options that will complement the flavours of the dish.
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How to make a creamy mushroom sauce
Ingredients
The ingredients you will need to make a creamy mushroom sauce include mushrooms, butter, oil, wine, broth, cream, parmesan, salt, and pepper. You can also add parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish.
Step 1: Cook the Mushrooms
Start by cooking the mushrooms. You can use any type of mushroom, such as Swiss brown, cremini, button, maitake, oyster, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms. Make sure the mushrooms are dry before you start cooking. Use a lightly damp paper towel to wipe off any dirt. Heat a combination of butter and oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms to the pan, making sure they are in a single layer and not crowded, so they can brown properly. Cook the mushrooms until they are golden brown, and season them with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
Step 2: Add the Liquid
Once the mushrooms are browned, add the wine to the pan and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer until it is mostly evaporated. Then, add the broth, cream, and parmesan. Stir the mixture until the parmesan is dissolved and simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
Step 3: Combine with Pasta
Cook your desired type of pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by about a minute so that the pasta is slightly undercooked. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the starchy pasta cooking water. Transfer the pasta to the pan with the mushroom sauce and toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce and cooked to al dente. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the creamy mushroom pasta immediately. You can garnish it with parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
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How to make a non-creamy mushroom sauce
A non-creamy mushroom sauce is a great way to showcase tasty mushrooms. This sauce is buttery and garlicky, and the best part is that it's not made with cream! Here's how you can make it:
Ingredients
For the mushroom sauce, you will need:
- Mushrooms (any variety or a mix of varieties)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Butter
- Onions
- Garlic
- Spices (black pepper, rosemary, red pepper flakes)
- Starchy pasta water
- Parmesan cheese
- Walnuts (optional)
Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms
Start by cleaning the mushrooms with a lightly damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Slice the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Sauté the mushrooms in batches to avoid crowding the pan, which can cause them to steam instead of brown. Let the mushrooms cook without stirring for the first two minutes to promote browning. Then, stir occasionally until they are tender and well-browned.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Once the mushrooms are cooked, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and toss in some chopped onions, garlic, and spices. Sauté this mixture until the onions soften and the garlic turns golden. The aromatics will add depth of flavor to your sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan (Optional)
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, you can deglaze the pan by pouring in some white wine or red wine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer until the wine is mostly evaporated and the winey smell dissipates.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Now, it's time to thicken the sauce and bring it all together. Add a splash of starchy pasta water to the skillet. The pasta water acts as a natural thickener and eliminates the need for heavy cream. You can also add in a small amount of tomato paste at this stage for extra umami flavor. Stir everything together until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Step 5: Finish with Flavor
Finally, finish your sauce with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese and some chopped walnuts (if using). The Parmesan adds a salty, savory note, while the walnuts contribute a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
And there you have it! A delicious, non-creamy mushroom sauce that's perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta.
Enjoy your homemade mushroom pasta!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need pasta, mushrooms, butter, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add garlic, shallots, and white wine for extra flavour.
You can use any type of mushroom for pasta. White button mushrooms are affordable and widely available, but Swiss Brown/Cremini mushrooms have more flavour. If you want to make a wild mushroom pasta, you can use foraged mushrooms like morels or chanterelles.
You can use any type of long or short strand pasta. Some examples include pappardelle, fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
You can serve mushroom pasta with a light salad, such as a Caesar salad or Greek salad. If you want something more indulgent, you can serve it with garlic bread or tiramisu for dessert.
