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Mushroom Ricotta Pasta Recipe

4.9 from 729 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Prepare ricotta mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms. Fold in the ricotta mixture evenly.
  6. 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.
  7. 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