Looking for a simple yet flavour-packed pasta dish? This creamy shiitake mushroom pasta brings together earthy, umami-rich mushrooms with garlic, parmesan and a hint of lemon. It's easy to make, comes together in under 30 minutes and can be adapted for a vegan-friendly version.

Ready to learn how to make this tasty dish? Keep reading.

Why You'll Love This Shiitake Mushroom Pasta Recipe

✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal prep.

✅ Rich & Umami-Packed – Shiitake mushrooms bring a deep, savoury flavour.

✅ Vegetarian & Easily Vegan – Swap out butter and parmesan for dairy-free alternatives.

✅ One-Pan Sauce – The mushrooms cook down into a creamy, garlic-infused sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Mushrooms

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over high heat.
• Add the mushrooms in a single layer—don't stir yet! Let them brown and crisp up while you cook the pasta.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Add salt, then cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
• Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water—this will help create a silky sauce later.

3. Finish the Mushrooms

• Stir the mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and start crisping up.
• Reduce the heat to medium, then add garlic. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce

• Once the garlic turns slightly golden, turn off the heat.
• Add butter, parmesan, and lemon juice, stirring until everything melts into a creamy sauce.

5. Combine with Pasta

• Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan. Toss to coat in the mushroom sauce.
• If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

• Plate up and sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and chilli flakes, if using.

Note: It's important that the pan is very hot before you add the mushrooms, so that they fry and don't steam.

Recipe and Photo Credit- Alexis Ko Instagram- @casadeolaf Website- www.alexisko.com

Tips for the Best Mushroom Pasta

✅ Use a hot pan – This prevents mushrooms from steaming and ensures they crisp up.

✅ Don't stir too soon – Let the mushrooms brown before moving them.

✅ Salt the pasta water generously – This enhances the overall flavour of the dish.

✅ Use fresh garlic – It makes a huge difference in taste.

✅ Save that pasta water – It helps create a silky sauce without extra cream.

Make It Vegan

This recipe is easy to adapt for a completely plant-based version:

• Swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.
• Use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan instead of regular cheese.
• Check your pasta—most are vegan, but some contain egg.

With these simple swaps, you'll have a creamy, flavourful pasta dish that's entirely vegan-friendly!