What’s needed to make pasta with zucchini and mushrooms?
To make this simple dish, you will need the ingredients shown below: Today I am sharing the recipe for zucchini mushroom pasta. It’s a very satisfying pasta dish that can be prepared in 35 minutes with a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients notes and substitute suggestions
Pasta: I have used fusilli but you can use any shape of pasta that you like. Zucchini: Zucchini is also known as courgette. Use fresh zucchini that is not very large. Avoid using spongy zucchini, it should be firm. Mushrooms: I have used white button mushrooms. You can also use cremini mushrooms (baby bella). Cream cheese: Cream cheese makes a very nice pasta sauce. I love using it in my pasta recipes like I did in this cream cheese pasta too. You can also use heavy cream instead of cream cheese. Garlic: Use fresh garlic for a stronger and better flavor. Fresh herbs: I have used fresh parsley. You can use other herbs too like fresh thyme, basil, or cilantro. Seasonings: I seasoned this pasta dish with only some salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. To add extra flavor, feel free to use more seasonings of your choice. Some other seasonings that can be used are garlic powder, oregano, basil, thyme, and Italian seasoning mix. Olive oil: I prefer using olive oil but butter can also be used in this pasta recipe.
Other ingredient details and nutritional information are shared in the recipe card.
How to make (step-by-step process)?
Make this creamy mushroom zucchini pasta recipe by following the easy step-by-step instructions given below: Step 1: Boil a pot of water and add some salt to it. Add uncooked pasta and cook al dente following package instructions. Drain pasta and reserve some starchy pasta water. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat around ½ a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and saute on medium-high heat until the moisture released by mushrooms dries up and they start turning golden brown. It will take around 7-8 minutes on high heat. Transfer the sauteed mushrooms to a bowl. Step 3: Heat the remaining ½ a tablespoon of oil in the same skillet. Add diced zucchini and saute on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until the zucchini also starts turning brown. Step 4: Put the sauteed mushrooms back into the skillet. Add chopped garlic and all the seasonings. Saute for a few seconds. Step 5: Add cream cheese and milk. Mix and cook for 1-2 minutes. Step 6: If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Step 7: Add drained pasta and gently toss. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley. Your delicious vegetarian pasta with zucchini and mushrooms is ready to be served.
Serving zucchini mushroom pasta
Serve this creamy zucchini mushroom pasta dish hot or warm. You can serve it on its own or with garlic bread, garlic cheese toast, a refreshing salad, or roasted vegetables on the side.
Storing and reheating the leftovers
Transfer the leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will be fine for up to 4 days. This dish doesn’t freeze well so avoid freezing it. The easiest way to reheat is by using a microwave. Add a splash of water to the pasta before putting it in the microwave. Stir it once in between. You can also reheat it on the stovetop. To do that, transfer it to a pan, add around ¼ cup of water, cover with a tight lid, and reheat on low heat. Check and stir to ensure the pasta doesn’t start sticking to the pan. Add more liquid if required.
Recipe tips, tricks, and variation suggestions
Saute zucchini and mushrooms separately otherwise, if the pan gets crowded, mushrooms and zucchini will get steamed instead of getting sauteed. Also, sautee the vegetables on high heat stirring frequently. They will get a very nice crispy texture if cooked like this. Instead of cream cheese and milk, you can also add cream to make the cream sauce. Reserve some pasta water before straining the pasta. Pasta water can be used to adjust the consistency of the pasta sauce. You can add other vegetables of your choice and create more similar pasta recipes. For a more refreshing flavor, add some fresh lemon juice and lemon zest once the pasta is ready. Add some vegetarian parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to add a stronger cheese flavor. Vegans can make zucchini mushroom pasta sauce using tomatoes instead of cream cheese and milk.
Frequently asked question
More vegetarian pasta recipes
Pasta lovers don’t miss trying out my other easy vegetarian pasta dishes.
Pasta with spinach and cherry tomatoes Cream cheese pasta Penne rosa Mushroom ricotta pasta Moroccan pasta Pasta in zucchini sauce 15 minutes vegan creamy tomato pasta
More easy mushroom recipes
Looking for more ideas to use mushrooms in your recipes? The following links are worth checking out:
Mushroom masala Mushroom green peas orzo Mushroom stuffed peppers Kerala-style pepper mushrooms Mushroom quinoa with spinach Mushroom potato soup Mushroom noodles
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