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Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 85 reviews

This Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring a medley of sautéed mushrooms in a luscious cream sauce, accented with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal, it combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the brightness of lemon and the depth of Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Mushroom and Nut Mixture

  • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 c. chopped pecans
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest
  • Kosher salt

Mushroom Sauce

  • 3 tbsp. butter
  • 1 lb. mixed mushrooms, such as maitake, shiitake, cremini, or oyster, torn or sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large shallot, finely chopped
  • 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley, divided
  • 1/2 c. dry white wine
  • 3/4 c. heavy cream
  • 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

Pasta

  • 1 lb. pasta, such as rigatoni

Instructions

  1. Toast Pecans: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped pecans and rosemary sprigs, if using, and cook while stirring frequently until the nuts turn golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer the toasted pecans to a medium heat-proof bowl and toss them with lemon zest and a pinch of kosher salt. Set aside.
  2. Cook Mushrooms: Wipe out the skillet and return it to the heat. Add butter and let it melt. Add the mixed mushrooms along with a large pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir to combine. Cover the skillet and allow the mushrooms to release their liquid, about 5 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and the liquid has evaporated, approximately 3 to 5 minutes more.
  3. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  4. Sauté Shallots and Parsley: To the skillet with the cooked mushrooms, add the finely chopped shallot and 1/4 cup of the chopped fresh parsley. Cook while stirring until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Add Wine and Build Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine and cook until the liquid has evaporated, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss frequently to combine and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, around 3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and the remaining 1/4 cup of parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Plate the creamy mushroom pasta and garnish with the toasted pecans and additional Parmesan cheese to serve.

Notes

  • Using a mix of mushrooms adds depth of flavor and texture.
  • To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan used is suitable for vegetarians or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
  • The rosemary is optional but adds a nice aromatic touch to the toasted pecans.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency.
  • Dry white wine can be swapped with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Keywords: creamy mushroom pasta, mushroom pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta dish, rigatoni with mushrooms, creamy pasta sauce