Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Rice Pasta: A Comforting and Gluten-Free Delight

If you're craving a cozy, comforting meal that's both rich in flavour and light on your stomach, look no further than this Creamy Mushroom Pasta made with rice pasta. Perfectly creamy, savoury, and satisfying, this dish is not only gluten-free but also packed with earthy mushroom goodness that will leave you craving more.

Whether you're celiac, gluten-sensitive, following a plant-based diet, or just want a delicious dinner, this recipe has got you covered. Let's dive in!

Why Rice Pasta?

Rice pasta is an excellent alternative to traditional wheat pasta. Made primarily from rice flour, it’s naturally gluten-free and offers a delicate texture that works wonderfully with creamy sauces like the one in this dish. Plus, it’s light on the digestive system, making it an ideal choice for a hearty yet easy-to-digest meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) rice pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine – your choice)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegan butter for a richer flavour)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3-5 mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or a mix)

• 1 splash of white wine (for depth of flavour)

• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarians)

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative like cashew cream)

• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)

• 1 tsp ground nutmeg

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)

• Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, to thicken the sauce as needed

  
  

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rice pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 7-9 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later, just in case you need to loosen the sauce.

2. Sauté the Onions, Garlic and Mushrooms: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown. Add the white wine, and reduce the heat to a simmer.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth, and heavy cream into the pan with the mushrooms. Stir to combine. Add the oregano and nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a rich, creamy consistency.

4. Season and Combine: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you want to take it up a notch, a squeeze of lemon juice can help brighten the flavour. Now, add the cooked rice pasta into the pan with the creamy mushroom sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

5. Serve and Garnish: Divide the creamy mushroom pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, creamy delight!

   
   

Tips for Perfect Creamy Mushroom Pasta:

• Mushroom Variety: Mix different types of mushrooms (shiitake, portobello, oyster) for an even more robust flavour.

• Dairy-Free? Feel free to swap out the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a completely plant-based version.

• Add Some Protein: For extra protein, consider adding some sautéed tofu, tempeh, or grilled chicken to the pasta.

• Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers, if there are any! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

  
  

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Comforting and Rich: The creamy sauce is packed with flavour, making every bite feel indulgent without being overly heavy.

• Gluten-Free: Thanks to rice pasta, this dish is 100% gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it.

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a weekend treat.

• Customizable: You can easily add your favourite vegetables or protein to make this dish your own!

  
  

Whether you're cooking for yourself or a group of friends, this Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Rice Pasta is sure to impress. It's the kind of meal that brings warmth, comfort, and joy to the table—perfect for any occasion.

We hope you enjoy making and eating this creamy, gluten-free mushroom pasta as much as we enjoyed writing this recipe! Let us know how it turns out!