Mushroom Ricotta Pasta Recipe
This creamy Mushroom Ricotta Pasta is a comforting and delicious vegetarian dish featuring tender sautéed cremini mushrooms, rich ricotta cheese, and a hint of garlic, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s easy to make and a perfect weeknight dinner option that combines earthy flavors with a smooth, cheesy sauce.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water, reserved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining to use later in the sauce.
- Sauté mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms. Fold in the ricotta mixture evenly.
- Adjust sauce consistency: Slowly add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, stirring well to achieve your desired sauce consistency. This will help create a creamy, cohesive sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne based on your taste.
- Reserve pasta water as it helps to thicken and bind the sauce perfectly.
- Feel free to substitute cremini mushrooms with button mushrooms or shiitake, depending on availability.
- For a vegan alternative, swap ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based cheeses.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamiest.
Keywords: mushroom pasta, ricotta pasta, creamy pasta, vegetarian dinner, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish