Nothing beats a comforting bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s packed with rich, earthy flavors and nourishing ingredients.
This Creamy Oyster Mushroom Pasta is a quick, satisfying meal that delivers gourmet taste without the hassle.
Plus, it’s entirely vegetarian and easily adaptable for a vegan diet. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for those who crave a delicious yet simple meal. It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, requiring less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Even on busy weeknights, you can prepare a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Oyster mushrooms bring a deep umami flavor to the dish, making it taste gourmet while remaining completely vegetarian. Their meaty texture provides a satisfying bite, complementing the creamy sauce perfectly.
The recipe also uses minimal ingredients, meaning you won’t need an extensive grocery list to make it. Most of the components are pantry staples, and fresh oyster mushrooms can be easily found in most supermarkets or farmer’s markets.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) oyster mushrooms, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Adding salt to the water enhances the flavor of the pasta from within.
Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, as it helps adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2–3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter very quickly.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Now it’s time to add the star ingredient — the oyster mushrooms. Toss them into the pan and stir well to coat them with the oil and aromatics.
Cook them for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and release their natural juices.
The mushrooms will shrink slightly and develop a deeper, more intense flavor. Season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Adjust the seasoning to your preference as you cook.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the mushrooms are beautifully browned, pour in the vegetable broth. This step helps deglaze the pan, lifting any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes so the mushrooms can absorb even more flavor. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version).
Add the dried thyme, mixing everything well. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
If you want a richer sauce, let it simmer a bit longer.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it gently to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
The starch in the pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky, well-emulsified texture.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative) and mix well until everything is combined.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the creamy oyster mushroom pasta to serving bowls. For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this indulgent yet easy-to-make dish!
Tips for Success
Using fresh oyster mushrooms enhances both the flavor and texture of the dish. When selecting mushrooms, look for firm, dry ones with a slight elasticity. If they feel slimy or smell off, they are past their prime.
Avoid overcooking the pasta, as al dente pasta absorbs the sauce better without turning mushy.
Adjust the creaminess of the dish by adding more broth if necessary. If you want to boost the umami notes, a splash of lemon juice or an extra sprinkle of nutritional yeast works wonders.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the pasta in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate and lose its smooth texture upon reheating.
Variations
This dish is easily customizable to fit different dietary preferences. If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
For an extra protein boost, consider adding sautéed tofu, chickpeas, or a plant-based chicken substitute.
Additional vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini can be incorporated for more depth of flavor and nutrition.
Enjoy this delightful Creamy Oyster Mushroom Pasta as a cozy weeknight meal or a special weekend treat.
With its rich, satisfying taste and quick preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again!
