Sometimes, it’s the simplest dishes that leave the biggest impact. I remember one evening when I was craving something light but packed with flavor. I was about to make pesto pasta, but then I spotted the mushrooms in my fridge, and the idea for pesto pasta with mushrooms was born. The earthy richness of the mushrooms paired with the bright, herbaceous pesto sauce was an absolute game-changer.
As I stirred the pasta, the aromas filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but smile. The combination of creamy pesto, tender mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta was exactly what I needed that night. It felt like a warm hug on a plate, and the best part was how easy and quick it came together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this dish is always a winner.
Pesto Pasta with Mushrooms Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Pesto Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mushrooms:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button mushrooms, cremini, or your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for the sauce.
-
Make the Pesto Sauce:
- In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pulse a few times to combine, then slowly stream in the olive oil while processing until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
-
Cook the Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Combine the Pasta and Pesto:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms and toss to combine.
- Stir in the pesto sauce until the pasta is evenly coated. Add a little pasta water if necessary to help the sauce coat the pasta smoothly.
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Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired, and enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite!
Enjoy the Flavor!
Pesto pasta with mushrooms is the perfect combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and rich, earthy goodness. The creamy pesto sauce and tender mushrooms complement the pasta perfectly, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
