Shiitake pasta is a delightful and savory dish that brings the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms together with the comforting simplicity of pasta. Known for their rich umami taste, shiitake mushrooms add depth and complexity to any meal, making them a perfect ingredient for pasta. This dish is ideal for mushroom lovers or anyone seeking a vegetarian meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor.
The star of shiitake pasta is, of course, the shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms are known for their meaty texture and robust flavor, which makes them a fantastic substitute for meat in many dishes. When sautéed in olive oil or butter, shiitakes release their natural savory richness, adding layers of flavor to the sauce. The addition of garlic, onions, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary enhances the depth of the dish and balances the earthiness of the mushrooms.
The pasta itself can be anything from spaghetti to fettuccine or pappardelle, but something with a bit of width or texture works best to hold the flavorful sauce. Once the mushrooms have sautéed to golden perfection, the pasta is added, and everything is tossed together with a splash of pasta water, creating a light, savory sauce. A touch of Parmesan cheese melts into the pasta, enriching the flavors and adding a creamy finish.
What makes shiitake pasta so versatile is how it can be customized to your tastes. For extra richness, add a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a creamy version. If you’re craving a bit of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a handful of fresh parsley can add a refreshing contrast. For a bit of spice, crushed red pepper flakes can provide a subtle heat that complements the mushrooms.
Shiitake pasta is an ideal dish for a quick, weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It’s full of bold flavors yet simple to make, and the depth of the shiitake mushrooms makes it feel indulgent despite being a light and vegetarian meal. With its earthy mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and smooth, comforting pasta, shiitake pasta is bound to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
- 200 grams pasta Any type of pasta you prefer
- 150 grams Shiitake mushrooms Sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin
- 3 cloves garlic Minced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese Grated
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper Freshly ground
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the pan with the mushrooms and garlic. Toss well to combine.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
This was really yummy! I loved the shiitake mushrooms. Will make again for sure!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Shiitake mushrooms really add a nice umami flavor, don’t they? Can’t wait to try it myself!
Garlic + mushrooms = heaven! I added some red pepper flakes for a little kick. So good!
Yummy! 👍 I made it with gluten-free pasta and it was still fantastic! Easy and quick to whip up after work!
Glad to hear it worked with gluten-free pasta! I have some friends who are gluten-free, so I’ll definitely try that. Thanks for sharing!
Yummy! I used fettuccine and it turned out great. Would recommend!
This recipe has become a staple for me. Love it!
Just okay. 🙁 Wish I could make it but I burned the pasta. I should probably just stick to takeout.
This dish was amazing! The shiitake mushrooms just made it so flavorful. I added some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and it turned out great! 5 stars!
Soo easy. 😋
Pretty solid for a weeknight. I’d just say add a splash of pasta water when you toss it, because mine came out a tiny bit dry without it.
Didn’t have shiitake so I used button mushrooms. Not the same vibe, but still tasty. Next time I’ll get the real ones.
Honestly, button mushrooms are totally workable—different flavor, same comfort. Love that you adjusted and still got a tasty result. 👏
Really easy recipe and tastes great! My kids loved it too! Will definitely make this again. 😊
Too much garlic for my taste. Can’t even taste the pasta! But kids liked it.
Why do you use olive oil? I think butter would taste better. And what’s with the fancy mushrooms? Just use regular ones!
Honestly, it was a bit bland for my taste. I thought it needed more seasoning or maybe some red pepper flakes. My family didn’t love it.
This is the best pasta dish I’ve ever made! The mushrooms add such a unique flavor. 5 stars!
I totally agree! The shiitake mushrooms really do elevate the dish to another level. Great choice!
This dish is amazing! The shiitake mushrooms bring such a unique flavor. I added some spinach for extra veggies, and it was perfect! Can’t wait to make it again.
I found it a bit bland. I think it needs more spices or something.
Eh, I didn’t love it. The parmesan was nice, but the texture of the shiitakes was weird for me.
I used portobello instead of shiitake, still turned out great! What an easy fix.
I tried it, but the garlic tasted a little sharp for me—maybe I cooked it too long? Also my parmesan didn’t melt much, so it felt a bit dry. Still edible though.
I tried this recipe and my kids were hesitant at first, but they ended up loving it! It was fun to see them eat mushrooms willingly. Definitely a win!
The ingredient list is kind of bare—like where’s the red pepper flakes or lemon? I added both and it improved a lot. Without extras it felt a bit flat.
One star bc I burned the garlic. Also, I think 150 grams is too much mushrooms for 200 grams pasta? Mine got mushroom-y in a good way but my boyfriend said it was too much. Still might try again…
Tried this tonight and it was surprisingly cozy. The shiitakes cook down really nicely and the garlic flavor comes through without being too harsh. I added a little chili flakes too—highly recommend.
Why don’t you add some chicken or bacon? It’s too plain as is.
I messed it up a bit, forgot to add salt. But still edible. 😂 Will try again!
pasta good. mushroom not so much. i like just spagheti plain.
I tried this with regular button mushrooms and it was not the same. Stick with shiitake!
Not bad at all! I had cremini mushrooms instead of shiitake and it still worked. Parmesan at the end really ties it together.
This is good, but I’m picky about pasta texture—my pasta stayed a little firm even though I followed the al dente timing. Next time I’ll slightly undercook and toss longer.
Maybe your pan too dry? Like if there’s not enough sauce/oil, the pasta dries out and stays firm. Next time try adding a splash of pasta water while tossing—also I think 5-7 mins for shiitakes might be short for me lol.
Ugh I get that—pasta can stay firm even when you hit al dente, especially if it keeps cooking in the pan after draining. Your plan to slightly undercook and toss longer makes total sense!