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5 from 1 vote

Creamy Bucatini with Crispy Mushrooms

This creamy mushroom pasta is hearty without being too heavy, creamy, and just what you want at the end of a long day. Savory crispy mushrooms put this meatless dish over the top.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Additional Time0 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 465kcal
Author: Lauren Pacek

Ingredients

  • 4 tbs olive oil
  • 1 lb assorted mushrooms torn into bite-sized pieces (see notes)
  • kosher salt
  • 1 shallot or half onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb bucatini see notes
  • ½ cup half and half
  • ¼ cup fresh chives minced (reserve some for garnish)
  • 1 lemon zested
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • 2 tbs unsalted butter
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded (plus more for garnish)
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat 2 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add half of the mushrooms and cook them in a single layer until the edges are brown and starting to crisp (about 3 minutes). Don't mess with them during this time. Let them cook undisturbed.
  • While the mushrooms are cooking, cook the bucatini in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Toward the end of the cook time, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Toss the mushrooms and continue to cook them, tossing occasionally, until they are brown and crisp on all sides (3-5 additional minutes).
  • Transfer the crispy mushrooms to a plate using a slotted spoon and then season them with kosher salt. Repeat steps 1-3 with the remaining 2 tablespoon of oil, mushrooms, and salt.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and return all of the mushrooms to the pot. Add the shallot and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring often, until the shallot is translucent and softened and the garlic is fragrant (about 2 minutes).
  • Strain the pasta and add it to the pot with the mushrooms and add half and half and 1 cup of the pasta water. Turn the heat up to medium and bring everything o a simmer. Cook the pasta, tossing constantly, until the liquid has thickened slightly (about 3 minutes).
  • Remove the pot from heat. Add the lemon zest and juice, chives, butter, shredded parmesan cheese, and kosher salt and pepper, to taste, and toss everything to combine. Taste and season again, if needed.
  • Divide the pasta among plates or bowls and top with more chives and parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • I used a combination of blue oyster, shiitake, lion's mane, and cinnamon cap mushrooms.
  • I've made this using dried bucatini and fresh fettuccine pastas. Both are lovely. You could also use spaghetti if that's what you have on hand.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 489mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g