Mushroom Pasta For One

Treat yourself to our easy and flavorful single serving Mushroom Pasta, perfect for anyone cooking for one. This comforting dish, prepared in just one pan, combines the rich, earthy taste of mushrooms with the hearty satisfaction of pasta. It’s quick to make and ready in only 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a sophisticated yet simple meal. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of a gourmet pasta dish without the fuss.

Serve your creamy Mushroom Pasta with delicious single serving side dishes like fluffy Garlic Buttermilk Biscuits, vibrant Sautéed Green Beans, savory Broiled Tomatoes, or sweet Roasted Carrots.

Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this mushroom pasta recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

• Pasta: Use 2 ounces (3/4-cup) of uncooked small-shaped pasta. I’m using campanelle pasta. I like using pasta with textured ridges so that it holds onto the sauce and cheese better but any kind of pasta you have on hand will work. To make gluten-free pasta with mushroom sauce, use gluten-free pasta. Consider using leftover pasta in Chicken Paprika, Pesto Pasta, or Shrimp and Prosciutto Pasta.
• Butter: Use salted butter. For a vegan option, use olive oil or a plant-based butter.
• Onions and garlic: Chopped onions and garlic add so much flavor to this mushroom pasta dish. Definitely don’t leave them out.
• Mushrooms: Use your favorite type of mushrooms; baby bella mushrooms (cremini), white mushrooms, or chopped portabella mushrooms are all great choices. Use leftover mushrooms in Chicken Marsala, Mushroom Casserole, or Coq au Vin.
• Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in this garlic mushroom pasta recipe as well as in every other recipe on One Dish Kitchen that calls for olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form of olive oil. It is an unrefined oil and the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made, it retains a more true olive taste. It also contains more of the vitamins and minerals found in olives. It’s my favorite type of olive oil to use but you may use a lighter olive oil instead.
• Seasonings: Use kosher salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary. I use 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. If you want to use regular table salt instead, use 1/8 teaspoon and add additional salt if you feel it’s necessary.
• Tomato paste: A small amount adds a tremendous amount of flavor. Look for tomato paste that comes in a tube. You can find it in the same section of your grocery store where cans are found. A tube stays good in the refrigerator for much longer than canned. You can also freeze the leftover paste in ice cube trays. When frozen, pop the cubes out of the tray and store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer. Leftover tomato paste can be added to Lasagna Soup or Chili Mac.
• Red wine: I recommend using a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Malbec. If you would prefer to not use red wine, use broth instead.
• Parmesan cheese: I recommend freshly shredded Parmesan cheese instead of bottled or bagged cheese for the best flavor.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

How To Cook Mushrooms

Cooking mushrooms doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple guide to prepare them perfectly every time:

• Clean the Mushrooms: Avoid soaking them, as they can become soggy. Instead, place them in a colander and rinse quickly under running water to remove any dirt. This “quick shower” method ensures they are clean without absorbing excess moisture.
• Dry the Mushrooms: After rinsing, gently pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential to achieve a nice sear when cooking.
• Sauté the Mushrooms: The ideal way to cook mushrooms is to sauté them in a mixture of butter and olive oil. Ensuring that the mushrooms are roughly the same size helps with even cooking.
• Season to Perfection: Start with a pinch of salt to draw moisture out, enhancing the sautéing process. Finish with black pepper and dried rosemary to amplify the flavors.

Expert Tips

• Prepare Ahead: Since this healthy mushroom pasta comes together quickly, make sure to read through the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes, and gather all your ingredients before beginning. This way, you’ll be organized and ready to cook.
• Avoid Overcrowding Mushrooms: A 10-inch skillet is an ideal choice for cooking the mushrooms. With sufficient surface area, the mushrooms will release their moisture and brown beautifully instead of steaming. The right pan size ensures they’re cooked evenly.
• Utilize Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water during cooking. This starchy liquid is key to helping thicken the sauce, adding both texture and flavor to the final dish.