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Shiitake Mushroom Pasta Recipe

This creamy shiitake mushroom pasta recipe combines earthy mushrooms with a rich, velvety sauce for the ultimate comfort meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Add your favorite herbs, make it vegan, or spice it up for a delicious twist every time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340 g spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 8 oz 225 g fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine optional but adds great depth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt or as needed
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes optional
  • Zest of ½ lemon optional for brightness

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Deep skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon​
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. I fill a large pot with water and add a big pinch of salt. Once it boils, I add the pasta and cook it until al dente. Before draining, I save about half a cup of pasta water. This trick helps me adjust the sauce later.
Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms
  1. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and cook it until it turns soft and fragrant. Then, I toss in the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds. After that, I add the shiitake mushrooms and cook them until they turn golden and release their juices. This takes about 6–7 minutes.
Deglaze and Build the Sauce
  1. I pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet to pick up all those flavorful bits. I let the wine reduce by half.
Add Cream and Cheese
  1. Next, I stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Then, I add Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce becomes silky and slightly thick. I season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Combine Everything
  1. I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce. If it feels too thick, I splash in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Finally, I sprinkle fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan on top. I serve it hot with a smile.

Notes

I always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving because cream sauces can mellow out flavors. Saving pasta water is key—it helps me create that restaurant-style glossy sauce.