Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta Recipe
This recipe totally wins my heart because it’s a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s vegan-friendly and absolutely packed with flavor. Plus, the mix of coconut milk with nutritional yeast creates a rich, cheesy sauce that feels indulgent but is secretly healthy.
I love to make a dish that takes the most basic of ingredients and changes them into something simply elegant and oh-so-comforting. My Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta features mushrooms—earthy cremini mushrooms, actually.
You could use any type of mushroom and still end up with a divine dish, but dry sautéed cremini exude umami and pair delectably with the rich kick of olive oil and the subtle, aromatic sing of garlic. With coconut milk (my go-to for all things creamy) blending harmoniously into the dish, it’s rich, it’s delicious, and it’s a totally wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Mushrooms:
High in antioxidants and B vitamins, contributing to a rich, earthy taste.
Nutritional Yeast:
This is full of B12 and protein, with a pleasingly cheesy flavor.
Coconut Milk:
Offers rich creaminess and good-for-you fats, so that this dish is downright yummy.
Lemon Juice:
Imparts a zesty zing that counters the richness of creamy flavors.
Olive Oil:
The fat in the dish is heart-healthy, adding richness and flavor.
Fettuccine:
An archetypal carbohydrate foundation, ideal for supporting the luscious sauce.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz (280g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the fettuccine or pasta of your choice according to the instructions on the package. Drain and place to the side.
2. Place a large skillet on medium heat and pour in the olive oil. When it is warm, add the onion, chopped fine. Start your timer for 3 minutes; you want the onion to become translucent, but not browned.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced cremini or button mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and softened.
5. Add in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, and stir well to combine.
6. Add the unsweetened almond milk or full-fat coconut milk and allow it to gently simmer with the other ingredients.
7. Mix in the nutritional yeast and lemon juice and allow the sauce to thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
8. If you want a sauce that is thicker, then blend the cornstarch with cold water and add it to the skillet, all while stirring nonstop until the sauce becomes as thick as you want.
9. Combine the pasta with the creamy mushroom sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated.
10. If you want, you can top it with fresh parsley, and you serve it hot. Therefore, you can enjoy your creamy vegan pasta with mushrooms!
Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large skillet
4. Medium heat source (e.g., stove)
5. Timer
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Small bowl (for cornstarch mixture)
12. Whisk (for cornstarch mixture)
13. Tongs or pasta fork (for tossing pasta)
14. Ladle or serving spoon (optional, for serving)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta?You can use any type of pasta that you enjoy, including spaghetti, linguine, or any number of gluten-free options.
- Is there a substitute for nutritional yeast?Nutritional yeast contributes a flavor reminiscent of cheese. If you can’t find it, feel free to leave it out. If you do have it, though, you could use some vegan Parmesan in its place.
- How do I make the sauce thicker?To achieve a sauce of greater thickness, employ the cornstarch slurry. It is made by mixing cornstarch with cold water, which is then combined with the sauce as it is stirred to achieve the desired thickness.
- Can I use other types of mushrooms?Certainly! Experiment with shiitake or portobello for a distinct taste.
- What can I add to make it more nutritious?Adding spinach, kale, or peas could up the vegetable content and nutrition. 078W D1 (New York Newsday) 2 January 2005.
- Is there a nut-free milk alternative I can use?Absolutely, oat milk or soy milk can definitely do the job; just make sure it’s the unsweetened version, for optimal taste.
Substitutions and Variations
Pasta: Substitute with gluten-free pasta for an option that is free of gluten.
Avocado oil: Substitute with olive oil for a distinct flavor profile.
Cremini or button mushrooms: Substitute with portobello mushrooms to achieve a richer taste.
Full-fat coconut milk: Substitute with cashew cream for an even creamier texture.
Lemon juice: For a slightly different tanginess, substitute lime juice.
Pro Tips
1. Pre-sauté the Mushrooms: For extra flavor, consider pre-sautéing the mushrooms in batches over high heat until they release their moisture and develop a deep, caramelized color. This enhances their umami flavor significantly before combining with the other ingredients.
2. Onion and Garlic Timing: To deepen the flavor profile, let the onions cook a bit longer at a lower heat to caramelize slightly before adding the garlic. This adds sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
3. Build a Flavor Base: Incorporate a splash of white wine or vegetable broth after sautéing the garlic and mushrooms. Allow the liquid to reduce, enhancing the depth of flavor in the sauce.
4. Nutty Variation: Toast the nutritional yeast slightly in a dry pan before adding it to the sauce, which can bring out nutty, cheesy notes for increased flavor.
5. Garnish Options: Along with parsley, consider garnishing with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added texture and flavor depth, making the dish even more satisfying.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta Recipe
My favorite Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large skillet
4. Medium heat source (e.g., stove)
5. Timer
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Small bowl (for cornstarch mixture)
12. Whisk (for cornstarch mixture)
13. Tongs or pasta fork (for tossing pasta)
14. Ladle or serving spoon (optional, for serving)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz (280g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the fettuccine or pasta of your choice according to the instructions on the package. Drain and place to the side.
2. Place a large skillet on medium heat and pour in the olive oil. When it is warm, add the onion, chopped fine. Start your timer for 3 minutes; you want the onion to become translucent, but not browned.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced cremini or button mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and softened.
5. Add in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, and stir well to combine.
6. Add the unsweetened almond milk or full-fat coconut milk and allow it to gently simmer with the other ingredients.
7. Mix in the nutritional yeast and lemon juice and allow the sauce to thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
8. If you want a sauce that is thicker, then blend the cornstarch with cold water and add it to the skillet, all while stirring nonstop until the sauce becomes as thick as you want.
9. Combine the pasta with the creamy mushroom sauce in the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated.
10. If you want, you can top it with fresh parsley, and you serve it hot. Therefore, you can enjoy your creamy vegan pasta with mushrooms!