When I want to impress guests with a vegetarian meal, mushrooms are my secret weapon. Their rich, umami-packed flavor and meaty texture satisfy even the most committed meat lovers. This simple yet luxurious mushroom spaghetti is proof that meatless doesn’t mean flavorless.
In this dish, cremini mushrooms are sautéed with butter, olive oil, and loads of garlic to create a savory, aromatic sauce that clings beautifully to strands of spaghetti. A generous handful of Pecorino Romano cheese adds a nutty, salty punch that takes the umami factor to the next level.
And the best part? The entire meal comes together in about 15 minutes.
🍄 Why This Pasta Works
- Umami-rich & satisfying – Mushrooms + garlic + Pecorino = flavor bomb
- Quick to make – Ready in under 20 minutes
- Meatless but hearty – Perfect for vegetarians or anyone skipping meat
- Minimal ingredients, maximum taste
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb dried spaghetti
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 7–9 minutes. Reserve ¾ cup of the pasta water, then drain. - Sauté the mushrooms:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter with the olive oil. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and tender—about 5 minutes. - Add garlic and butter:
Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. - Combine pasta and sauce:
Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and grated Pecorino Romano. Toss over medium heat until cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. - Finish and serve:
Stir in fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra Pecorino Romano on top.
💡 Recipe Tips
- Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms work best, but you can use button, shiitake, or a mix.
- Pasta water: Don’t skip it—it helps bind the sauce and coat the pasta beautifully.
- Pecorino Romano: Its sharp, salty flavor adds depth. Parmesan can be used if needed, but Pecorino makes it extra special.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
🥡 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
🌱 Vegetarian, Hearty, and Totally Delicious
This pasta is the perfect example of how simple, plant-based ingredients can create big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this mushroom and garlic spaghetti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.