Pasta with mushrooms and pesto is a quick, aromatic dish ideal for any occasion. The combination of creamy pesto, sautéed mushrooms and al dente pasta creates a harmonious composition of flavours that will please every palate. The fresh mushrooms add a deep umami flavour to the dish, while the pesto adds an intense, herbaceous aroma. The addition of cream makes the sauce velvety smooth and creamy.
The preparation of this dish is simple and quick. All you need to do is cook the pasta, fry the mushrooms with garlic and combine everything with the aromatic pesto. This is the perfect dish for a quick lunch or an elegant dinner and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Pasta with mushrooms and pesto is also a dish that can be easily modified by adding your favourite vegetables or changing the type of pesto.
Pasta with mushrooms and pesto is ideal for lovers of Italian cuisine who appreciate simplicity and intense flavours. Served with crusty bread and a salad, this dish makes a complete, balanced meal that is sure to delight everyone.

INGREDIENTS
- 400g of pasta (e.g. spaghetti, fettuccine)
- 400g of mushrooms
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 cup pesto (home-made or bought)
- 1/4 cup cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese to serve
INSTRUCTIONS
Cooking pasta:
- Cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the packet. Drain, reserving half a cup of the pasta cooking water.
Preparation of mushrooms:
- Wash and slice the mushrooms.
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil. Add the mushrooms and fry over a medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden and soft.
- Add the chopped garlic and fry for a further 1-2 minutes.
Combining ingredients:
- Add the pesto to the mushrooms in the pan, mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta and, if using, the cream cheese. Stir to combine all ingredients. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the saved pasta cooking water.
Seasoning:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving:
- Ladle the pasta onto plates, garnish with fresh basil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
NOTES
- Mushrooms: You can use a mixture of different mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, to enhance the flavour.
- Pesto: Homemade pesto made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan and olive oil is ideal, but good quality bought pesto will also work.
- Consistency: The cream cheese is optional but adds a creamy texture. You can replace it with coconut milk or omit it if you prefer a lighter version.