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Mushroom Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Mushroom Ricotta Pasta Recipe

5 from 14 reviews

This Mushroom Ricotta Pasta recipe offers a creamy, comforting dish combining sautéed cremini mushrooms with smooth ricotta and Parmesan cheese, tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal, it balances rich flavors with simple ingredients for an elegant yet easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)

Vegetables

  • 1 lb (450g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup pasta water, reserved
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. Sauté Mushrooms: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and softened.
  3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms. Fold in the ricotta mixture gently to coat the pasta evenly.
  6. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta water little by little, stirring to achieve a creamy sauce that clings nicely to the pasta. Add more water if needed for your preferred consistency.
  7. Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute cremini mushrooms with button or portobello mushrooms for varied texture and flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce that binds to the pasta perfectly.
  • For a nuttier flavor, try adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts as a garnish.
  • This dish can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: mushroom ricotta pasta, creamy mushroom pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, Italian pasta dish