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Creamy pasta with portobello mushroom slices garnished with fresh parsley in a white bowl.
Layla

Pasta with Portobello Mushroom

Earthy, meaty portobellos and caramelized garlic create a rich, satisfying pasta that tastes far more indulgent than it is.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta rigatoni, penne, or pappardelle
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt for pasta water
For the Mushrooms
  • 1 lb portobello mushrooms stems removed, caps sliced 1/2 inch thick
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves only, or 1/2 tsp dried
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio
For Finishing
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • black pepper freshly ground, to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Prep
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt, then the pasta. Cook 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
Cook the Mushrooms
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half the mushrooms in a single layer. Cook undisturbed until deeply browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook 3 minutes more. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining mushrooms.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add garlic and cook until golden at the edges, about 2 minutes. Stir in thyme and red pepper flakes, then pour in wine. Simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
  3. Return mushrooms and any juices to the skillet. Add drained pasta, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, and Parmesan. Toss vigorously over medium heat until a creamy sauce coats the pasta, about 2 minutes. Add more pasta water if needed. Remove from heat and stir in parsley. Season with black pepper.
  4. Divide among warm bowls. Top with additional Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Don't crowd the mushrooms when searing - they need contact with the hot pan to brown, not steam. For deeper flavor, scrape the dark gills from the portobellos before slicing. This reheats beautifully; add a splash of water or broth when warming.