Today, I am going to take you on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich, earthy flavors of mushrooms in a comforting and indulgent dish: Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Pasta. For me, this recipe is a dish that combines the natural earthiness of mushrooms with a creamy sauce and the satisfying texture of pasta.
I was very excited to try making it for the first time. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue through my kitchen window as I unpacked my haul from the local market, I knew it was already the perfect day to dive into Jamie Oliver’s mushroom pasta recipe.
Making Jamie Oliver’s mushroom pasta was more than just cooking a meal; it was a journey from start to finish. It reminded me of the joy of creating something delicious from scratch and the simple pleasure of enjoying a well-made dish. The process was as rewarding as the final result, making it a memorable and fulfilling experience.
Now, it’s your turn to try and do the same. So, whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight meal or planning a special dinner, this dish promises to satisfy you with its simplicity and depth of flavors. So, without further ado, let’s create a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of comfort and taste.
Equipment Required
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: I use a frying pan to sauté the mushrooms, which I then combine with the pasta and sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: I prefer using a wooden spatula to stir and toss the pasta and mushrooms during cooking.
- Knife and Chopping Board: I recommend having a sharp knife and chopping board for effectively slicing mushrooms and mincing garlic.
- Garlic Press or Grater (optional): Sometimes, I use a grater to finely mince garlic, which helps distribute its flavor in the dish evenly.
- Colander: I always use a colander to drain the cooked pasta thoroughly before combining it with the sauce.
Jamie Oliver Mushroom Pasta Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients mentioned in this recipe are enough to make two portions of mushroom pasta. If you would like to make more or less, you will have to adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly.
- 150 g Fusilli Pasta: I suggest substituting the fusilli with any pasta shape you prefer, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced: I recommend always selecting fresh garlic for the recipe, as it enhances the dish’s flavor. However, if you are in a hurry, you can use garlic powder instead.
- 250g Mixed Mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster): I suggest using a variety of mushrooms for depth and adjusting the amounts based on availability.
- 25g grated Parmesan Cheese: I sometimes use other varieties of cheese, like Grana Padano or Asiago, for Parmesan cheese. You can also add Vegan Parmesan or Nutritional Yeast for that cheesy, nutty flavor.
- 2 heaped Tablespoons of Half-fat Crème Fraîche: I suggest substituting it with regular crème fraîche or heavy cream if you don’t have Half-fat Crème Fraîche.
- 2 Tablespoons Butter: If you don’t want to add butter, add coconut or canola oil of the same quantity.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing the mushrooms, I recommend using canola or coconut oil to enhance the dish’s Mediterranean flavors if you don’t have olive oil.
Preparation And Cooking Time
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
10 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
How To Make Jamie Oliver Mushroom Pasta At Home
Step 1- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
Step 2- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
Step 3- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
Step 4- Add cleaned and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, spread them out in a single layer for even cooking, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they brown and release their juices.
Step 5- Add boiled pasta to the skillet once the mushrooms are cooked.
Step 6- Mix the reserved pasta water into the skillet.
Step 7- After that, you need to pour the crème fraîche over the pasta, stirring gently to incorporate it.
Step 8- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts into the sauce. Toss pasta and sauce together until evenly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 9- Your Jamie Oliver Mushroom Pasta is ready to serve!
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Mushroom Selection: I often make this recipe at home and try different mushroom varieties, and it turns out amazing every time. So, to make your mushroom pasta even better, you can also experiment with different mushroom varieties for unique flavors and textures. Mixing wild mushrooms with cultivated varieties enhances complexity.
- Cream Consistency: Adjusting the amount of cream can help you achieve the desired sauce consistency. I like my pasta creamier, and it tastes just wonderful.
- Seasoning: I recommend enhancing the taste of your pasta by adjusting seasoning throughout the cooking stages. Adding freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt can amplify flavors without overwhelming delicate mushroom notes. Also, consider adding fresh thyme for its earthy and floral notes, rosemary for a robust pine-like flavor, or sage to bring a savory and peppery element. You can also add bay leaves to infuse a subtle herbal essence and fresh parsley to add a bright, fresh finish.
- Experiment with Additions: Since you are making it at home, you can always consider adding extras to the dish. My favorites are sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor variations. These additions can elevate the dish and make it more hearty and satisfying.
- Deglazing with White Wine: After sautéing the mushrooms to golden perfection, I recommend deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine to elevate the flavor of your mushroom pasta. The wine not only adds a layer of complexity but also helps lift any flavorful bits stuck to the pan, enhancing the overall richness of the sauce.
- Adding Crunch: I also suggest garnishing the pasta with breadcrumbs for extra texture.
FAQs About Jamie Oliver Mushroom Pasta
Nutritional Information
Jaime Oliver’s Mushroom pasta is a dish that can be both nutritious and healthy. It contains vegetables and, potentially, whole grains. However, since it has a high calorie count, it is best to enjoy it in moderation, once in a while.
Here’s a breakdown that I have provided of its nutritional aspects:
Calories | 598 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 66 g |
Protein | 17 g |
Fat | 30 g |
Saturated Fat | 11 g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 14 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
Trans Fat | 0.5 g |
Cholesterol | 39 mg |
Sodium | 307 mg |
Potassium | 574 mg |
Sugar | 5 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Vitamin A | 448 IU |
Vitamin C | 1 mg |
Calcium | 175 mg |
Iron | 2 mg |
Jamie Oliver’s mushroom pasta is suitable for vegetarian diets as it typically does not include meat or fish. However, it is unsuitable for vegan diets due to dairy products like Parmesan cheese. It also contains gluten unless gluten-free pasta is used, making it unfit for gluten-free diets. Additionally, the dish is not aligned with the keto diet because it includes grains (pasta) and dairy. However, adaptations can be made to substitute ingredients and adjust the recipe to fit specific dietary preferences.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegetarian/Vegan Diet: For a vegetarian/vegan diet, I recommend substituting the ingredients as per your requirements. In place of cream, I suggest using coconut cream or almond milk for a vegan version. You should also ensure the cream substitute is unsweetened and suitable for savory dishes. I recommend replacing Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative to maintain a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Gluten-Free Diet: I suggest choosing pasta made from rice, quinoa, or corn flour for a gluten-free diet to accommodate gluten sensitivities and cook according to package instructions. Similarly, to thicken the sauce, I suggest using a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with cold water, if needed.
- Low-Calorie Diet: For a low-calorie diet, you can substitute the ingredients with light ones To reduce calories and fat content, I advise replacing the half-fat crème fraîche with low-fat Greek yogurt or a lighter cream alternative. I suggest using less Parmesan cheese or omitting it entirely. For best results, enhance flavors with herbs, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. I also recommend increasing the vegetable content by adding more mushrooms or incorporating other veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.
- Keto-Friendly Diet: For a keto-friendly diet, I suggest substituting traditional pasta with shirataki noodles (konjac noodles) or spiralized vegetables like zucchini or butternut squash will do the trick. Moreover, in place of high-fat cream, I suggest using heavy cream or a combination of cream and cream cheese for a rich, keto-friendly sauce base. Lastly, to increase the healthy fats in your recipe, I also recommend adding extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil to sautéing mushrooms and garlic.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing –
- Refrigeration: Storing the pasta in the refrigerator is relatively easy. You can store it for up to 3 days. Pasta with cream-based sauces tends to absorb flavors over time, so I suggest consuming it within this timeframe for the best taste. Also, I recommend allowing the mushroom pasta to cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation and soggy pasta.
Reheating –
- Stovetop Method: Heating your mushroom pasta over the stovetop is quite easy, according to me. You need to heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Then, add the leftover Mushroom Pasta to the heated skillet and add a splash of cream, milk, or water to help loosen the sauce. After that, keep stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Cook until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is creamy again.
- Microwave Method: Reheating the Mushroom Pasta in a microwave is also easy. I suggest transferring the pasta to a microwave-safe dish and adding a tablespoon of water, cream, or milk to prevent it from drying out. Start heating on medium power (50-70%) for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. I recommend heating in intervals until the pasta is heated through.
- Oven Method: I recommend first preheating your oven to 350°F if you are reheating your mushroom pasta in the oven. After that, transfer your pasta to an oven-safe dish and add a splash of cream, milk, or water to prevent drying. Then, cover the dish with aluminum foil or an oven-safe lid and bake it for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This Jamie Oliver’s mushroom pasta pairs well with various dishes that can enhance the overall dining experience. Here, I have mentioned some complementary dishes you can serve alongside the pasta:
- Appetizers: When I make mushroom pasta, I love to pair it with a couple of delicious appetizers. One of my favorites is Caprese salad, with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a light and flavorful start. I also enjoy serving bruschetta, toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil, adding a crunchy and savory element to the meal.
- Soups: I like to pair my mushroom pasta with various soups. A creamy tomato basil soup is a classic Italian pairing that complements the pasta well. I also love adding minestrone, a hearty vegetable soup with beans and pasta, for a nutritious and satisfying addition. Another great option is butternut squash soup, with its sweet and savory flavors providing a warm and comforting choice.
- Grilled Meat: I also like to pair it with different meats that complement it well. Grilled chicken breasts or thighs add a lean protein element to the meal, enhancing the overall taste experience. Thinly sliced steak cooked to my liking provides a hearty and flavorful protein option that goes wonderfully with the pasta.
- Vegetables: When I enjoy mushroom pasta, I pair it with different vegetable snacks. Lightly roasted asparagus with olive oil and sea salt adds a crunchy and nutritious side that goes well with the pasta. Spinach sautéed with garlic and olive oil is a quick and healthy addition that I like. Grilled zucchini slices with a sprinkle of herbs and Parmesan cheese offer a tasty vegetable side that complements the dish beautifully.
Printable Version
Jamie Oliver Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients
- 150 grams Fusilli Pasta
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 250 grams Mixed Mushrooms cremini, shiitake, oyster
- 25 grams Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Half-Fat Crème Fraîche
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Knife and Chopping Board
- Garlic Press or Grater
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add cleaned and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, spread them out in a single layer for even cooking, and sauté them until they brown and release their juices for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add boiled pasta to the skillet once the mushrooms are cooked.
- Mix the reserved pasta water into the skillet.
- After that, you need to pour the crème fraîche over the pasta, stirring gently to incorporate it.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts into the sauce. Toss pasta and sauce together until evenly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Your Jamie Oliver Mushroom Pasta is ready to serve!
Video
Nutrition
More Jamie Oliver Recipes That You Can Try
Conclusion
Jamie Oliver’s Mushroom Pasta is a versatile and indulgent dish that I love making. It celebrates the natural flavors of mushrooms in a creamy sauce, perfect for casual family dinners and special gatherings. With its simple preparation and rich taste, this recipe offers a delightful dining experience that you can customize to suit various dietary preferences and tastes.
Are you ready to elevate your home-cooked meals? Go ahead and try cooking and savoring this delicious pasta creation, and don’t forget to let us know how it turns out! Happy cooking!