Pasta with Mushroom and Oregano Sauce

Pasta with a mushroom and oregano sauce is a simple, yet flavorful dish that highlights the earthy richness of mushrooms paired with the fragrant, slightly peppery taste of oregano. This comforting recipe brings together tender pasta and a creamy, herb-infused sauce, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of mushrooms and oregano creates a delightful balance of flavors that makes this dish hearty, satisfying, and full of natural goodness.

In this article, you’ll learn how to prepare a rich and creamy mushroom sauce using simple ingredients like fresh mushrooms, garlic, and oregano. The sauce comes together quickly and pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta, making this an easy, go-to meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients:

• 300 grams of your preferred pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
• 300 grams mushrooms (cremini, button, or portobello), sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh oregano leaves for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, which you can use to adjust the sauce later if needed.

2. Prepare the Mushrooms:

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the mushroom sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have released their moisture and begun to brown. You want the mushrooms to become golden and tender, soaking up the garlic flavor.

3. Add the Broth and Oregano:

Once the mushrooms are browned and tender, pour in the vegetable broth. The broth will help deglaze the pan, lifting any caramelized bits from the bottom of the skillet and creating a flavorful base for the sauce.

Add the oregano to the pan, stirring well to combine. If you’re using fresh oregano, chop it finely for the best flavor distribution. If you’re using dried oregano, crush it slightly between your fingers before adding it to release more of its oils.

Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the oregano to infuse the sauce with its fragrant, herbaceous flavor.

4. Make the Sauce Creamy:

For a richer, creamier sauce, you can add the heavy cream at this stage. Stir the cream into the mushroom mixture and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. The cream gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture, complementing the earthy mushrooms beautifully. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can skip the cream and simply rely on the broth and mushroom juices for flavor.

If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silkier texture.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the mushroom sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring that each strand or piece of pasta is well-coated with the rich, savory mixture. If necessary, you can add a little more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

6. Serve and Garnish:

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish each plate with fresh oregano leaves for a burst of color and added flavor. If you like, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of richness.

Serve the pasta hot, accompanied by a side salad or crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips for the Perfect Mushroom and Oregano Pasta:

• Choosing Mushrooms: Cremini or baby portobello mushrooms are great options for this dish, as they have a deeper flavor than white button mushrooms. However, you can use any mushroom variety you prefer, including shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a more complex taste.
• Fresh or Dried Oregano: Fresh oregano offers a bright, peppery flavor, while dried oregano has a more concentrated, earthy taste. Both work well in this recipe, so choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• Adjusting the Creaminess: If you want a lighter dish, omit the cream and let the mushrooms and broth create a more delicate sauce. For a richer sauce, the cream adds a luxurious texture, making the dish feel indulgent.

Variations and Add-Ins:

This pasta with mushroom and oregano sauce can be easily adapted to suit your taste or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some variations to try:

• Add Protein: You can add sautéed chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the dish for a protein boost. Simply cook your protein separately and toss it into the pasta just before serving.
• Include Vegetables: For more color and nutrition, add vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers to the sauce. Wilted spinach or sautéed bell peppers add a fresh and vibrant touch.
• Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce when cooking the mushrooms.

Storing and Reheating:

If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until heated through.

You can also reheat the pasta in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.

Serving Suggestions:

This pasta with mushroom and oregano sauce pairs well with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a simple loaf of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the mushroom sauce, adding balance to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts make a great side to this pasta, enhancing the earthy flavors of the dish.

Conclusion:

Pasta with mushroom and oregano sauce is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please. The rich, savory flavors of the mushrooms combined with the aromatic touch of oregano create a comforting sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it a go-to for any pasta lover.

With a few fresh ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and comforting, while still being light and easy to customize. Try this pasta recipe the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, flavorful meal!