Spaghetti with Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper

Indulge in the earthy, savory flavors of this Spaghetti with Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper Recipe. This dish takes a simple spaghetti to another level by combining the umami-rich shiitake mushrooms, the creaminess of parmesan cheese, and the robust seasoning of pepper. It's a hearty meal that's sure to please any fan of Italian cuisine.

Photos of Spaghetti with Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper Recipe

Shiitake mushrooms are a key ingredient in this recipe. They are a type of edible mushroom native to East Asia, known for their rich, savory taste, and are often used in Asian cuisines. Shiitake mushrooms are typically available at local supermarkets or Asian grocery stores. If you can't find them, you can substitute with other types of mushrooms like Portobello or cremini.

Ingredients for Spaghetti with Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper

Olive oil: A healthy fat that will add a depth of flavor to sautéed shiitake and other ingredients.

Shiitake mushrooms: Known for their meaty texture and earthy flavor, they are a star ingredient in this recipe.

Black pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and spicy flavor that complements the shiitakes.

Chicken broth: Used to create a rich, savory sauce for the spaghetti.

Spaghetti: The base of this dish, spaghetti is a long, thin pasta that pairs well with the flavors of shiitake, parmesan, and pepper.

Parmesan: A hard, granular cheese that adds a creamy, savory flavor to the dish.

One reader, Cammie Calabrese says:

This spaghetti with shiitakes, parmesan, and pepper recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The shiitake mushrooms add a rich, earthy taste, and the parmesan and pepper elevate the dish to a whole new level. It's a must-try for any pasta lover!

Cammie Calabrese

Techniques Required for Making Shiitake Mushroom Pasta

How to sauté shiitake mushrooms: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over moderate heat. Add the mushrooms, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes until the mushrooms are browned.

How to make mushroom sauce: After browning the mushrooms, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid is reduced to about 1 cup.

How to cook spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the spaghetti for about 12 minutes until just done. Drain the spaghetti.

How to toss spaghetti with mushroom sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the mushroom sauce, the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and parmesan.

How to serve: Serve the spaghetti with shiitakes, parmesan, and pepper with additional parmesan on the side.

How To Make Spaghetti with Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper

In just minutes, you can enjoy this delicious spaghetti dish with earthy shiitake mushrooms, spiced with pepper, and served with loads of parmesan!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4tbspolive oil
1lbshiitake mushrooms
¾tspfresh ground black pepper
¼tspsalt
2clovesgarlic
1½cupchicken broth,low-sodium, canned, or homemade stock
¾lbspaghetti
½cupparmesan,grated

Instructions

In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over moderate heat.
Add the mushrooms, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes until the mushrooms are browned.
Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
Add the broth and bring to a simmer.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced to about 1 cup.
Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the spaghetti for about 12 minutes until just done.
Drain.
Toss the spaghetti with the mushroom sauce, the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and parmesan.
Serve with more cheese.

Recipe Notes

Optional Variation: Add a couple of tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, tarragon, thyme, or parsley, to the spaghetti along with the parmesan.
Wine Recommendation: The mix of flavors opens the door to all sorts of wine choices. To match the earthiness of the mushrooms, try a white based on the chardonnay grape; a Bourgogne Blanc from France would be particularly good. To echo the black pepper, look for a red with a similar flavor, such as a dolcetto from Italy or a petite sirah from California.

Nutrition

Calories: 582.29kcal
Fat: 21.25g
Saturated Fat: 5.45g
Monounsaturated Fat: 11.92g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.21g
Carbohydrates: 75.82g
Fiber: 5.73g
Sugar: 6.56g
Protein: 22.70g
Cholesterol: 15.34mg
Sodium: 545.76mg
Calcium: 248.26mg
Potassium: 659.40mg
Iron: 2.07mg
Vitamin A: 39.52µg
Vitamin C: 0.65mg

Essential Technique Tip for Preparing Spaghetti With Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper

When preparing the shiitake mushrooms, it's important to clean them properly as they can often have dirt or debris. Rather than rinsing them under water, which can make them soggy, use a damp paper towel to gently wipe each mushroom. Also, remember to remove the tough stems before cooking. They can be saved and used to flavor broths or stocks.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Shiitake Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare whatever you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.

Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of certain components, such as sauces or grains, and freeze the extra portions for future use.

Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, slow cookers, and pressure cookers to expedite meal preparation.

Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.

Substitute Ingredients For Spaghetti with Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper Recipe

shiitake mushrooms - Substitute with cremini mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms have a similar earthy flavor and meaty texture, making them a suitable substitute for shiitake mushrooms in this recipe.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor profile to parmesan, making it a great alternative in this dish.

Best Way to Present Spaghetti With Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper

Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, ensure that the spaghetti is neatly twirled and placed at the center of the plate. The shiitake mushrooms should be delicately arranged around the spaghetti, creating a visually appealing composition.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top of the dish to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Utilize elegant servingware: Choose sophisticated, minimalist servingware to showcase the dish, such as sleek white plates or rustic ceramic bowls, to complement the earthy tones of the shiitake mushrooms.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a touch of high-quality olive oil over the plated spaghetti for a glossy finish, adding a touch of richness and depth to the presentation.
Add a sprinkle of parmesan: Just before serving, grate a small amount of parmesan over the top of the dish, allowing it to delicately cascade over the spaghetti for a touch of decadence.
Consider the overall composition: Ensure that the presentation is balanced and visually appealing, with attention to the placement of each element on the plate to create a harmonious and enticing presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Shiitake Mushroom Pasta

Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, or blanching larger quantities of food.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining foods such as pasta or rinsing vegetables.
Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes used to shred or grate foods like cheese or vegetables.
Garlic press: A handheld tool used to crush garlic cloves, extracting the pulp and juice.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pot with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, or reheating foods.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot, used for gripping and lifting items such as food.
Cheese grater: A tool designed for grating cheese into fine pieces.
Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, flipping, or spreading foods.
Measuring cup: A kitchen utensil used to measure the volume of liquid or dry ingredients.
Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting and preparing food.
Pepper grinder: A tool used to grind peppercorns into a fine powder.
Wooden spoon: A spoon made from wood, often used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Pot: A deep cooking vessel with vertical sides, used for boiling, stewing, or simmering foods.
Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes used to shred or grate foods like cheese or vegetables.

How to Store and Freeze Leftover Shiitake Mushroom Pasta

Allow the spaghetti with shiitakes, parmesan and pepper to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For short-term storage, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the dish, follow these steps:
1. Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving portions.
2. Place each portion in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
3. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
4. Freeze the spaghetti with shiitakes, parmesan and pepper for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the frozen pasta:
1. Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Place the thawed pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help rehydrate the sauce.
3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through and steaming.
5. Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a small amount of water or broth as needed to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Note: The texture of the shiitake mushrooms may change slightly after freezing and reheating, becoming softer than when freshly prepared. However, the flavor of the dish should remain delicious.

How to Reheat Leftover Spaghetti With Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover spaghetti in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the spaghetti is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly. This method helps to maintain the texture of the pasta and prevents it from becoming too soggy.
For a quicker reheating option, use your microwave. Place the leftover spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help maintain moisture. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the spaghetti is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pasta to become rubbery.
If you have a stovetop and a bit more time, consider reheating your spaghetti in a pan. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the leftover spaghetti and toss gently to coat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help steam the pasta and prevent it from drying out. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is heated through and the liquid has been absorbed. This method allows you to refresh the flavors of the dish and achieve a slightly crispy texture on some of the shiitake mushrooms.
For a more flavorful reheating experience, consider adding some fresh ingredients to your leftover spaghetti. Sauté some minced garlic and additional sliced shiitake mushrooms in a pan with a bit of olive oil before adding the leftover spaghetti. Toss the pasta with the garlic and mushrooms, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help steam the dish. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper before serving.

Random Fact About Spaghetti With Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper

Shiitake mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism and nervous system. They also contain a compound called eritadenine, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them a nutritious and flavorful addition to this pasta dish.

Is Making Shiitake Mushroom Pasta at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this shiitake mushroom, parmesan, and spaghetti recipe is quite high. Shiitake mushrooms are a great meat substitute, and the parmesan adds a rich flavor. The cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that offers a balance of flavors and textures, making it a great choice for a family dinner.

Is This Shiitake Mushroom Pasta Healthy or Unhealthy?

This spaghetti with shiitakes, parmesan, and pepper recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, shiitake mushrooms are a nutritious ingredient, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are low in calories and fat, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. The recipe also includes garlic, which has numerous health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components. The use of olive oil and parmesan cheese adds significant amounts of fat and calories to the dish. While olive oil is a healthier fat option, the quantity used in this recipe may be excessive. Additionally, the chicken broth may be high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues if consumed in excess.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of olive oil used, or replace some of it with a low-sodium vegetable broth to maintain moisture
Use whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates
Add more vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, bell peppers, or onions, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth or replace it with a homemade vegetable broth to reduce the sodium content
Use a smaller amount of parmesan cheese, or replace it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories and less fat

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Shiitake Mushroom Pasta Dish

This recipe offers a delightful blend of earthy shiitake mushrooms, savory parmesan, and the subtle kick of black pepper, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish. The method of cooking the mushrooms until browned enhances their rich flavor, while the addition of garlic and chicken broth infuses the dish with depth. Tossed with al dente spaghetti, the resulting dish is a celebration of simple yet sophisticated flavors. The finishing touch of extra parmesan adds a final layer of indulgence. Overall, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Spaghetti with Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Savory garlic breadsticks with a sprinkle of parmesan and herbs, perfect for dipping in the mushroom sauce.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the earthy shiitake mushrooms.

Tiramisu: Indulgent tiramisu with layers of creamy mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, a rich and satisfying dessert to end the meal.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Spaghetti With Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: Creamy fettuccine alfredo with grilled chicken and broccoli, topped with parmesan cheese and fresh ground black pepper.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Grilled chicken breast topped with a fresh mango salsa made with red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Colorful quinoa salad with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, tossed in a lemon vinaigrette dressing.

Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Serve With This Shiitake Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate the classic bruschetta by topping crispy bread with a flavorful combination of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze. This refreshing and vibrant appetizer is sure to impress your guests.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Apple Pie: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, with a flaky golden crust and tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Why trust this Spaghetti with Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of shiitake mushrooms, parmesan, and spaghetti, creating a rich and flavorful dish. The use of chicken broth and garlic enhances the umami taste, while the addition of fresh ground black pepper provides a subtle kick. The careful cooking process ensures that the mushrooms are perfectly browned, infusing the dish with a deep, earthy flavor. The incorporation of olive oil and salt further elevates the taste profile. With its balanced flavors and simple yet effective cooking techniques, this recipe promises a satisfying and trustworthy dining experience.

Share your thoughts on the Spaghetti with Shiitakes, Parmesan and Pepper Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. We'd love to hear your experience making this dish or any tweaks you made to the recipe!

FAQ:

What type of mushrooms can I use if I can't find shiitake mushrooms?

If you can't find shiitake mushrooms, you can use other varieties such as cremini, portobello, or even white button mushrooms. Each type will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth. It will still provide a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add some extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to enhance the flavors.

Can I use a different type of pasta other than spaghetti?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific type of pasta you choose.

How can I store the leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce.