Raise your hand if you love experimenting with unique ingredients in the kitchen! 🙋♀️ I’m all about trying new-to-me foods, especially mushrooms. Exotic mushroom varieties are my latest obsession – they instantly elevate any dish from basic to gourmet.
So when I spotted Enigma mushrooms at the farmers market last weekend, I obviously had to buy some. One bite and I was totally blown away by their intense umami flavor and steak-like texture. I just knew they’d be amazing in pasta!
After some trial and error, I developed the ultimate weeknight recipe that totally wows: lemony garlic Enigma mushroom pasta. It’s got that Michelin star restaurant flavor, but comes together in a single skillet in just 30 minutes. I can’t wait to share my step-by-step method so you can make this luxurious dish at home!
Out-of-This-World Enigma Mushroom Pasta Recipe!
Course: CookbookCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium3
servings20
minutes15
minutes430
kcal35
minutesI’ve made this Enigma mushroom pasta a bunch of times now, so let me give you the rundown of exactly what you’ll need:
Let’s Chat Ingredients
Enigma mushrooms – These are the star! Meaty, earthy flavor and texture. Sub portobello, oyster or shiitake if you can’t find.
Pasta – Penne, rigatoni, something that grabs the sauce. I prefer bronze cut artisanal.
Olive oil – The good stuff! Nice peppery extra virgin.
Garlic – Don’t be shy, like at least 5 big cloves. Minced.
Shallot – One, finely chopped. Adds depth.
White wine – Just a splash! I use Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Lemon – Juice of one. Need that bright acidity! Zest it first.
Parsley – Fresh and chopped. Italian is ideal but any works.
Parm – The shaved good Parmesan-Reggiano kind. Get a wedge and grate it.
Salt and pepper – Just a pinch and sprinkle.
Walking Through the Simple Steps
- First, boil your pasta. I do salted water, enough to cover. Cook al dente – you’ll finish it in the sauce. Reserve a bit of the starchy water for later.
- Meanwhile, start your mushrooms. Grab a big skillet. Sauté those Enigma babies in the olive oil over medium-high heat. I let them get nice and golden, almost crispy.
- Next in: the aromatics. Throw in the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Let them hang out for just 1 minute.
- Deglaze with the wine. Give the pan a splash of white and let it simmer down, scraping any browned bits. We want all that good stuff in our sauce!
- Brighten with lemon. Now squeeze in the juice from your zested lemon and add the zest too.
- Kill the heat, add the pasta. Once your noodles are al dente, drain them and toss them right into the pan with the mushrooms.
- Make it saucy! Add a splash of that starchy pasta water to bring it together into a glossy, creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
- Finish with herbs and cheese. Stir in the fresh parsley and shaved parmesan. Plate it up and garnish with even more cheese because, why not?
Notes
- See how easy that was? And so fast – no long simmering sauce required. Just a simple pan, quality ingredients, and a little technique.
Customize It Your Way
Part of the fun of this pasta is playing around with add-ins! Here are some of my favorites:
- Mix in wilted spinach or arugula for extra greens.
- Add diced zucchini or roasted broccoli for bonus veg.
- Chicken, shrimp, or sausage make it hearty.
- Pancetta or bacon lend a smoky crunch.
- Swap herbs like basil, oregano, thyme to switch it up.
- Flavorful cheeses like gruyere, goat, or pecorino instead of parmesan.
Make this decadent pasta your own with your favorite flavors!
Serving Suggestions
I love this pasta as a main, but it also shines as a side or starter:
- As a main meal with crusty bread and a fresh arugula salad.
- An appetizer portion topped with fried shallots and microgreens.
- A side to lean proteins like salmon, scallops or chicken breast.
- Perfect ‘date night in’ dinner with an acidic white wine.
However you enjoy it, this pasta is sure to be a hit! The exotic Enigma mushrooms are so intensely savory and satisfying.
What Makes Enigma Mushroom Pasta Restaurant Worthy
You may be wondering, what gives this simple skillet pasta such an elevated, gourmet taste? A few secrets:
- The umami richness of the browned Enigma mushrooms. Such a unique flavor!
- Infusing the olive oil with plenty of garlic. You need that undertone.
- Deglazing the pan to get every last bit of tasty fond. Waste not!
- Fresh herbs and real Parm for brightness and creaminess.
- That starchy pasta water creating a luscious sauce. Maestro’s kiss!
It’s all about quality ingredients and layering flavors. With just a few techniques this pasta goes from ordinary to extraordinary.
Store Leftovers Safely
Should you be lucky enough to have any leftovers, here are some storage tips:
- Let the pasta cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to airtight containers or zip top bags.
- Make sure to squeeze out excess air before sealing.
- Keep refrigerated up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or stove until warmed through.
- Add a splash of water or oil if it seems dry.
With proper storage, leftovers should retain that fabulous just-cooked taste and texture.
Time to Give This Pasta a Shot!
Well friends, that about covers everything you need to nail gourmet Enigma mushroom pasta at home. I really hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon – it’s perfect for date night or even hosting dinner guests to impress them with your culinary skills. Once you get your hands on those meaty Enigma mushrooms, you’ll see what all the fuss is about!
Let me know if you have any other questions. And please come back to share your creations and let me know how it turned out. I absolutely love seeing your twists on my recipes! Now get cooking and get ready to enjoy the comforting and luxurious flavors of this unique pasta. Mangia!
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