Mushroom pasta with peas served with ricotta

Mushroom Pasta with Peas – Creamy Vegetarian Comfort Food

Mushroom Pasta with Peas is a smart balance of richness, freshness, and simplicity. This dish delivers deep savory flavor from mushrooms, gentle sweetness from peas, and a silky sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy. Designed for busy weeknights yet refined enough for guests, it comes together quickly using familiar ingredients. The combination of pasta, vegetables, and dairy creates a satisfying vegetarian meal that feels both nourishing and comforting. With a flexible structure and reliable results, this recipe earns a permanent place in your rotation.

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Mushroom pasta with peas served with ricotta

Mushroom Pasta with Peas – Creamy Vegetarian Comfort Food


  • Author: Cindy
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy mushroom pasta with peas finished with lemon zest and ricotta.


Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti

Water for boiling

Salt

4 tbsp unsalted butter

10 oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups vegetable broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tsp fresh thyme

1 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 1/2 cups peas

Zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup ricotta cheese


Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in salted water. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.

2. Sauté mushrooms in 2 tbsp butter until soft.

3. Add garlic and cook briefly.

4. Add remaining butter and flour; stir.

5. Add broth, cream, thyme, salt, pepper; simmer until thick.

6. Add peas and heat through.

7. Toss pasta with sauce, adjusting with pasta water.

8. Finish with lemon zest and ricotta.

Notes

Use frozen peas if fresh are unavailable. Reheat gently with broth.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: One-Pot & Easy Meals
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Why Mushroom Pasta with Peas Works So Well

Flavor balance in mushroom pasta with peas

Earthy mushrooms create a savory foundation that anchors the entire dish. Peas add brightness and subtle sweetness, preventing the sauce from feeling flat. A touch of lemon zest sharpens the flavors and keeps the finish clean.

Seasonal appeal of mushroom pasta with peas

This recipe transitions effortlessly between seasons. Fresh peas highlight spring meals, while frozen peas make it reliable year-round. Mushrooms provide consistent depth no matter the time of year.

Comfort food qualities of mushroom pasta with peas

Butter, cream, and ricotta create a soft, cohesive texture that coats every strand of pasta. The result feels comforting without being overwhelming, making it ideal for relaxed dinners.

Ingredients That Make Mushroom Pasta with Peas Shine

Choosing the best mushrooms for mushroom pasta with peas

Shiitake mushrooms offer a meaty texture and pronounced umami flavor. They hold their shape well during cooking and absorb butter beautifully.

Peas and dairy components explained

Peas bring color and contrast, while heavy cream adds body to the sauce. Ricotta finishes the dish with gentle richness rather than heaviness.

Pantry staples that support mushroom pasta with peas

Garlic, thyme, flour, and vegetable broth work together to create structure and aroma. These simple elements allow the vegetables to remain the focus.

How to Make Mushroom Pasta with Peas Perfectly

Pasta cooking tips for mushroom pasta with peas

Cooking spaghetti in well-salted water builds flavor from the base. Reserving pasta water ensures the sauce binds smoothly without thinning too much.

Sauce technique for mushroom pasta with peas

Butter and flour form a quick roux that thickens the broth and cream evenly. Simmering gently allows the sauce to develop body without losing freshness.

Finishing touches that elevate mushroom pasta with peas

Lemon zest brightens the dish at the end, while fresh thyme adds aroma. Ricotta dolloped on top creates contrast in texture and temperature.

Variations on Mushroom Pasta with Peas

Creamy mushroom and pea pasta adaptations

For extra richness, increase ricotta or add grated Parmesan. A splash of white wine before the broth adds depth without overpowering the vegetables.

Mushroom pea pasta no cream option

Replace cream with extra broth and a spoon of ricotta stirred into the sauce. This keeps the dish light while maintaining a creamy mouthfeel.

Protein and vegetable add-ins

Tofu, white beans, or roasted asparagus integrate easily. These additions maintain the vegetarian profile while adding substance.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to serve mushroom pasta with peas

Serve immediately for the best texture. A simple green salad balances the richness nicely, or pair it with a skillet meal like this hearty hamburger-style skillet dinner for a family-style spread.

Make-ahead and storage guidance

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Pairings that complement the dish

Garlic bread or roasted tomatoes make excellent sides. For another creamy poultry option on the table, try this creamy pesto chicken with roasted tomatoes.

Mushroom pasta with peas served with ricotta
Creamy mushroom pasta with peas and ricotta

FAQs About Mushroom Pasta with Peas

Creamy mushroom and pea pasta

This version uses butter, cream, and ricotta to create a smooth, cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta evenly.

Mushroom pea pasta no cream

You can omit cream and rely on broth and ricotta for structure while keeping the dish lighter.

Can I use frozen peas?

Yes. Frozen peas work perfectly and require no thawing before adding to the sauce.

Conclusion

Mushroom Pasta with Peas delivers dependable flavor, approachable technique, and flexible variations. Whether served fresh from the skillet or reheated for lunch, it remains balanced and satisfying. This recipe proves that simple ingredients, treated thoughtfully, can produce impressive results.

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