Mushroom Pesto Pasta

Craving a delicious and comforting pasta dish? Try this mouthwatering Mushroom Pesto Pasta recipe! With tender mushrooms, basil pesto, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner recipe choices.

Pasta with mushrooms and pesto

This pasta with pesto sauce and mushrooms is a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. The combination of earthy mushrooms and vibrant pesto creates a balanced and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

The mushrooms, whether cremini, shiitake or a mix, bring a deep, rich flavor to the dish. When sautéed, they develop a caramelized exterior while remaining tender inside, adding a satisfying texture to each bite. Meanwhile, the pesto, with its blend of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil, infuses the pasta with bright, herbaceous notes that elevate the dish to a whole new level. Also, you can use homemade pesto customizable to remove the nut (for allergies) or cheese (to make it a vegan mushroom pesto pasta).

What makes this dish so appealing is its versatility and use of simple ingredients. You can use any type of pasta you like, and adjust the proportions of mushrooms and pesto to suit your taste. It’s a simple mushroom pasta that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for the whole family or simply craving a comforting bowl of pasta.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• This easy pesto pasta is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of creamy pesto sauce, mushrooms, and aromatic seasonings.
• It’s easy to customize to suit your vegan and vegetarian dietary needs.
• Can be customized with your favorite pasta shape and additional toppings.
• Makes for excellent leftovers, perfect for lunch the next day. It tasted even better the next day.

Ingredients needed for mushroom pesto pasta

• Bowtie pasta: Also known as farfalle, this pasta shape is ideal for catching and holding onto the pesto sauce.

• Basil pesto: A classic Italian sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. It adds a rich and herby flavor to the dish.

• Cremini mushrooms: these mushrooms have a robust flavor and meaty texture, making them perfect for pasta dishes.

• Red pepper flakes: adds a hint of heat and complexity to the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.

• Salt and black pepper: it’s essential for seasoning the pasta and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

• Extra virgin olive oil: used for sautéing the mushrooms and creating a silky texture in the pesto sauce.

• Mixed greens: Optional, but adds freshness and color to the dish.

• Minced garlic: Provides a pungent aroma and savory taste.

• Reserved pasta water: Used to adjust the consistency of the sauce and bind the ingredients together. Use vegetable broth as an alternative.

Substitutions

• Pasta: feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne pasta, or fusilli.

• Pesto: you can use store-bought basil pesto or make your own at home. Additionally, you can try different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or spinach.

• Mushrooms: if you don’t have baby bella mushrooms, you can use white button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, or any other variety you like.

• Red Chili Flakes: adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness, or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder dish.

• Mixed Greens: substitute with only spinach, arugula, or kale if desired.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, sautéing until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the mushrooms are cooked, turn the heat to the lowest and add the basil pesto to the skillet, stirring to combine with the mushrooms. If the pesto is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of reserved starchy pasta water.
4. Season the mushroom pesto sauce with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes to taste. Stir in the cooked bowtie pasta until it’s evenly coated with the sauce.
5. If using mixed greens, add them to the skillet and toss gently until they’re wilted and incorporated into the pasta.
6. Serve the Mushroom Pesto Pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Extra recipe tips

• For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the mushroom pesto sauce.

• To enhance the flavor of the dish, toast the pine nuts before adding them to the basil pesto.

• Don’t rinse the cooked pasta after draining it, as this will wash away the starches that help the sauce cling to the pasta.

• Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining the pasta to use for adjusting the consistency of the sauce if needed.

How to serve it

Enjoy the mushroom pesto pasta as a standalone dish, or serve it alongside a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli make a delicious and nutritious side dish. The caramelized edges of the roasted veggies add depth of flavor to the meal.

Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or chives for an extra burst of flavor and color. The vibrant herbs add a touch of freshness to each bite.

Recipe variations

• Make mushroom pesto gnocchi – using the same recipe but with boiled gnocchi instead.

• Stir in roasted cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.

• Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for added richness.

How to store and reheat

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Recipe FAQs

Other mushroom pasta recipes to try:

Zucchini Mushroom Pasta

Mushroom Aglio Olio

Sage Mushroom Pasta