Creamy Mushroom Pesto Pasta (Print)

Rich and comforting pasta with sautéed mushrooms tossed in creamy basil pesto. A quick, elegant Italian-inspired meal for four.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
02 - Salt for pasta water

→ Mushrooms

03 - 14 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Pesto Sauce

07 - 3.5 oz basil pesto
08 - ½ cup heavy cream
09 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

11 - Fresh basil leaves
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 6-7 minutes until golden and tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in pesto and heavy cream, mixing until combined. Add grated Parmesan and stir until sauce reaches smooth consistency.
04 - Toss cooked pasta into skillet, adding reserved pasta water gradually until achieving desired creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • It feels fancy but comes together faster than most delivery orders, using ingredients you probably already have.
  • The creamy pesto clings to every piece of pasta and mushroom, making each bite rich and satisfying without feeling heavy.
  • It works just as well for a quiet dinner alone as it does when you need to impress someone without breaking a sweat.
02 -
  • Don't skip reserving the pasta water, that starchy liquid is what transforms the sauce from greasy to creamy and helps everything come together.
  • Let the mushrooms brown without constantly stirring them, patience here means deeper flavor and a better texture instead of sad, steamed fungi.
03 -
  • Use a mix of mushroom varieties like shiitake or oyster for deeper, more complex flavor if you're feeling adventurous.
  • Toast pine nuts and sprinkle them on top for a crunchy contrast that echoes the pesto and adds a little luxury to each bite.
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