Creamy Oyster Mushroom Pasta Recipe: Rich, Decadent, and Full of Flavor
Creamy Oyster Mushroom Pasta Recipe is the perfect combination of indulgence and comfort. Tender pasta coated in a luscious, silky sauce mingles beautifully with earthy oyster mushrooms, creating a dish that feels luxurious while remaining approachable for home cooks. Every bite offers a harmonious balance of creaminess, subtle garlic notes, and the delicate umami flavor of mushrooms.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques. The oyster mushrooms’ meaty texture makes this dish satisfying for vegetarians and mushroom lovers alike. Rich, aromatic, and velvety, this pasta is ideal for cozy dinners, date nights at home, or impressing guests with a flavorful, plant-forward dish. With a handful of pantry staples, a splash of cream, and fresh herbs, you can create a pasta that feels decadent yet wholesome.
Ingredients Needed
The following ingredients serve approximately 4 people. Calorie counts are estimates per portion.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti) | 12 oz | 420 kcal |
| Oyster mushrooms | 12 oz | 90 kcal |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 800 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 kcal |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | 20 kcal |
| Onion | 1 small, chopped | 30 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup grated | 215 kcal |
| White wine (optional) | ¼ cup | 50 kcal |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons, chopped | 5 kcal |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Nutmeg (optional) | ¼ teaspoon | 2 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. - Prepare the mushrooms
Clean and slice oyster mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. - Sauté aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. - Cook the mushrooms
Add oyster mushrooms to the skillet and sauté 5–7 minutes until tender and golden. - Deglaze and make the sauce
Optional: Pour in white wine and simmer 1–2 minutes. Add heavy cream and stir well. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. - Combine pasta and sauce
Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired creaminess. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. - Serve immediately
Plate the creamy oyster mushroom pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for a rich, elegant presentation.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it vegan: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegan Parmesan.
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Boost flavor: Add sautéed shallots, truffle oil, or roasted garlic for extra richness.
- Mix mushrooms: Combine oyster mushrooms with shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms for deeper umami.
- Adjust creaminess: Use more or less heavy cream depending on desired richness.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470–520 kcal |
| Protein | 15–18 g |
| Fat | 28–32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35–40 g |
| Fiber | 3–4 g |
| Sodium | Moderate (varies with Parmesan) |
This pasta provides a satisfying combination of healthy fats, complex carbs, and protein, making it both filling and indulgent.
Serving Suggestions
Serve creamy oyster mushroom pasta alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A light white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the richness of the sauce. For a heartier meal, pair it with a side of sautéed spinach or a simple tomato salad.
Creamy Oyster Mushroom Pasta Recipe: Rich, Decadent, and Full of Flavor
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes470-520
kcalIngredients
12 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine)
12 oz oyster mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup white wine (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt & black pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Directions
- Cook pasta – Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Sauté aromatics – Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook mushrooms – Add oyster mushrooms and sauté 5–7 minutes until tender and golden.
- Make the sauce – Optional: deglaze skillet with white wine. Add heavy cream and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Combine pasta and sauce – Toss pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Serve immediately – Plate pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Sauté mushrooms until golden for maximum umami flavor.
Assemble pasta and sauce just before serving to maintain creaminess and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make Creamy Oyster Mushroom Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and mushrooms in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta fresh and combine with the sauce just before serving for best texture and flavor.
2. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely. Fettuccine, spaghetti, linguine, or even penne all work well. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
3. How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegan Parmesan cheese. You can also substitute olive oil or vegan butter for extra richness.
4. Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added to make the pasta more filling. Simply cook the protein separately and toss it in with the sauce before serving.
5. How do I enhance the mushroom flavor?
Sauté mushrooms until golden brown for deeper umami flavor. You can also mix oyster mushrooms with shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms. A small drizzle of truffle oil at the end adds a luxurious touch.
Conclusion
Creamy Oyster Mushroom Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that elevates simple ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal. Its velvety sauce, tender pasta, and earthy mushrooms make it perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this recipe shows that indulgent, comforting pasta doesn’t have to be complicated—just flavorful, creamy, and satisfying.
