By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 6, 2023 | Last Updated on December 6, 2023
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Pasta is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the texture of meaty lion’s mane mushrooms with creamy, indulgent pasta. This dish is perfect for those looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this can be whipped up in no time for a comforting and satisfying meal. Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it also has numerous health benefits.
Keep reading to learn every piece of information related to this dish and a step-by-step guide on how to make this delectable lion’s mane mushroom pasta. So let’s get cooking!
What is Lions Mane Mushroom Pasta?
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Pasta is a dish that combines the delicious and unique texture of lion’s mane mushrooms with creamy, indulgent pasta.
The star ingredient, lion’s mane mushrooms, are known for their meat-like texture and mild flavor, making them a perfect substitute for traditional meat in dishes.
This pasta dish is typically made with bucatini pasta, heavy cream, garlic, onion, and thyme, along with the star ingredient – lion’s mane mushrooms.
The result is a rich and creamy sauce that coats each strand of pasta, creating a luxurious and flavorful dish. It is a perfect combination of comfort food and healthy ingredients.
Why You’ll Love this Lions Mane Mushroom Pasta?
Health benefits: Lion’s mane mushrooms are known for their numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system, promoting brain function, and reducing inflammation. This dish is a great way to incorporate these nutritious mushrooms into your diet in a delicious way.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish can be made in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick and satisfying meal.
Creamy and delicious: The combination of heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and butter creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the meaty texture of lion’s mane mushrooms. This dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
Plant-based option: For those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet, this dish is a great option. It provides the satisfying texture of meat without using any animal products.
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Ingredients
- Lions Mane mushrooms: Lions mane mushrooms are the star of this dish. They have a unique, meaty texture and mild flavor that pairs well with pasta.
- Bucatini pasta: Bucatini is a thick spaghetti-like pasta with a hollow center, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce in this dish.
- Heavy cream: The heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Fresh thyme: Thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: The parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish and also helps thicken the sauce.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- Butter: Butter gives an extra layer of richness to the dish.
Directions
Step 1
Prep the Mushrooms
- Start by cleaning the lion’s mane mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Remove the tough stems from the mushrooms and tear them into small pieces.
Step 2
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the bucatini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
Step 3
Prepare the Sauce
- In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add in the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add in the smashed garlic cloves and sauté for a few more minutes.
- Next, add in the lion’s mane mushrooms and stir until they are slightly browned.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.
- Add in the fresh thyme sprigs and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
Step 4
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Once the sauce has thickened, add in the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add in the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 5
Serve and Enjoy!
- Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious lion’s mane mushroom pasta!
Tips & Tricks
- To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based heavy cream substitute and omit the parmesan cheese.
- For an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers.
- You can also add other vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to add more nutrition and color to the dish.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta alternative like rice or quinoa pasta.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan on low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas to serve with your delicious lion’s mane mushroom pasta:
- Garlic bread or crusty bread to sop up the creamy sauce.
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Grilled or roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
What other substitute can I use in Lions Mane Mushroom Pasta?
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are a few substitutes you can use in this dish:
- Instead of lion’s mane mushrooms, you can use other meaty mushrooms like portobello or shiitake.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used as a substitute, but use about half the amount called for in the recipe.
Lions Mane Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- large pot and pan
Ingredients
- 440 grams Lions Mane Mushrooms: Plump mushrooms that impart a robust umami flavor enhancing the dish with a hearty and earthy taste.
- 20 ounces Bucatini Pasta: Long hollow strands of pasta, perfect for capturing and holding onto the forthcoming rich and creamy sauce.
- 1 cup 236 ml Heavy Cream: Pouring in to create a velvety and indulgent texture, the heavy cream forms the base of a luxuriously smooth sauce.
- 12 sprigs Fresh Thyme: Fragrant thyme leaves stripped from their stems, infusing the dish with a subtle herbaceous aroma and flavor.
- 10 cloves Garlic Smashed: Smashed garlic cloves release their pungent essence, infusing the dish with a bold and aromatic kick.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Generously sprinkled to meld with the cream forming a rich and cheesy sauce that coats each strand of pasta.
- 2 Large Onions Diced: The diced onions, were sautéed to a golden perfection, adding a sweet undertone and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: Melting into the sauce the butter contributes a luscious and silky finish, rounding out the dish with a touch of decadence.
Instructions
- First, prepare the lion’s mane mushrooms by carefully cleaning them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Remove the tough stems and tear the mushrooms into small pieces.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bucatini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat and saute diced onions until they turn translucent. Add in smashed garlic cloves and continue to cook for a few minutes. Then, add in the lion’s mane mushrooms and stir until they are slightly brown.
- Pour heavy cream into the pan with the mushroom mixture, along with fresh thyme sprigs. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add in the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency. Serve hot, sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an extra touch of flavor.
Notes
- To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based heavy cream substitute and omit the parmesan cheese.
- For an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers.
- You can also add other vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to add more nutrition and color to the dish.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta alternative like rice or quinoa pasta.
FAQs
Are lion’s mane mushrooms safe to eat?
Yes, lion’s mane mushrooms are safe to eat and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Where can I find lion’s mane mushrooms?
Lion’s mane mushrooms can be found at most grocery stores or health food stores, but if you can’t find them fresh, you can also purchase them dried and rehydrate them before using in this dish.
Can I use frozen lion’s mane mushrooms?
Yes, you can use frozen lion’s mane mushrooms in this dish. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Conclusion
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious meal or a comforting and indulgent pasta dish, this recipe has got you covered.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great way to incorporate lion’s mane mushrooms into your diet in a flavorful and satisfying way. Give it a try and see for yourself why this dish is becoming a favorite among mushroom lovers!
Make sure to share this article with your friends and family so they can also enjoy this delicious dish. Thank you for reading.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
