This creamy mushroom and pea pasta is a quick, satisfying weeknight meal packed with flavor and nutrition.
Loaded with fiber-rich peas, plant-based protein from mushrooms, and healthy fats from butter and cream, it’s both hearty and wholesome.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines freshness, comfort, and ease, making it perfect for everyday cooking or meal prep.
Mushroom and Pea Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 large skillet (for sauce)
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring Spoons Set
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Water for boiling
- 1 tsp salt for pasta water
For the Mushroom and Pea Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 10 oz shiitake mushrooms cleaned and sliced
- 2 small garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup white wine
- 1¼ cups vegetable broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1½ cups peas blanched or frozen
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Gently add 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use, then carefully drain the pasta, setting it aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly foamy, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms. Cook them for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have softened and developed a slight golden-brown color, releasing their earthy aroma.
- Add Garlic Flavor: Reduce the heat slightly and add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown, infusing the mushrooms with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Create a Roux Base: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce and give it a creamy texture without clumping.
- Deglaze with White Wine: Pour ⅓ cup of white wine into the skillet, using a spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits carry concentrated flavor and will enrich the sauce. Allow the wine to reduce slightly over 1–2 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off while the aroma fills your kitchen.
- Add Broth and Cream: Slowly stir in 1¼ cups of vegetable broth followed by ¼ cup of heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it simmer over medium heat for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes luscious and velvety.
- Incorporate the Peas: Add 1½ cups of blanched or frozen peas to the sauce. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the peas to warm through while maintaining their bright green color and natural sweetness. Stir gently to distribute the peas evenly throughout the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss the pasta in the sauce until each strand is evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick or sticky, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and achieve a perfect, silky consistency.
- Add Fresh Zest and Herbs: Sprinkle the zest of one lemon over the pasta for a refreshing burst of citrus flavor. Add a few additional fresh thyme leaves on top for aroma and visual appeal. These small touches elevate the dish and balance the richness of the cream.
- Finish with Ricotta Cheese: Drop ½ cup of ricotta cheese in dollops over the top of the pasta. Gently swirl it into the sauce if desired, or leave it as creamy pockets that melt naturally when served. The ricotta adds a luxurious, velvety texture and a mild, tangy flavor that complements the mushrooms and peas beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Optionally, garnish with a little extra thyme or a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while warm and creamy. This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or a slice of crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Pasta choice: Spaghetti works perfectly, but wider noodles like pappardelle or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Mushroom options: Shiitake mushrooms provide a rich, earthy flavor, but baby bella or white button mushrooms are excellent substitutes.
- Peas: Blanched or frozen peas can be used; they retain sweetness and texture when added to the sauce.
- Cream alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based cream.
- Wine optional: White wine enhances depth of flavor, but vegetable broth alone will still create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Meal prep: Sauce can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Chef’s Secrets: Tips For Perfect Pasta
The secret to a truly creamy, flavorful pasta lies in timing and layering flavors.
Always reserve a cup of pasta water—it’s a natural thickener that helps the sauce cling beautifully to each strand.
Sauté mushrooms over medium heat until they release their moisture and develop a slight caramelization; this builds richness without additional fats.
Stirring garlic just until fragrant prevents bitterness, while reducing wine before adding broth concentrates flavor.
For a luscious finish, gently fold in ricotta at the last moment, allowing it to melt into soft pockets throughout the pasta.
Fresh lemon zest at the end brightens the dish and balances the richness of cream and butter.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Ideas And Presentation
This creamy pasta shines as a main course for a simple weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to contrast the creamy texture.
A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread makes for a comforting accompaniment, perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
For an elevated presentation, sprinkle extra fresh thyme, shaved Parmesan, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving.
This dish also works well in meal prep portions—just reheat gently with a splash of water to restore creaminess.
Storage Tips: Best Practices For Leftovers
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When reheating, place it in a skillet over low heat and add ¼ to ½ cup of water or reserved pasta liquid to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Avoid microwaving on high without adding liquid, as the sauce can separate and lose its creamy texture.
If desired, you can also freeze the pasta in individual portions for up to 1 month, but note that the ricotta may slightly change in texture when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, wider pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or pappardelle works beautifully to catch the creamy sauce. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni can also be used for a fun twist.
2. Are frozen peas okay to use?
Yes, frozen peas are perfect for this recipe. Simply add them directly to the sauce and cook for about 1 minute until heated through. Their natural sweetness complements the creamy mushroom sauce beautifully.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can! Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter, heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream, and ricotta with a plant-based ricotta alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and satisfying.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick or dry?
Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a few tablespoons of this water to loosen it and achieve a smooth, silky consistency that coats the pasta evenly.
5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a few hours in advance and store it separately from the pasta.
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to restore creaminess, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
