Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy experience without breaking a sweat? This Vegan Mushroom Coconut Pasta is about to become your new obsession! Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked pasta bathed in a silky, dreamy coconut sauce, studded with golden-brown mushrooms that burst with flavor in every single bite. This recipe proves that vegan cuisine can be incredibly indulgent, easy to prepare, and mind-blowingly delicious – all in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms should release their moisture and become golden brown.
- Pour the entire can of coconut milk into the skillet with the mushrooms. Sprinkle in dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to slightly thicken.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the mushroom coconut sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately in warm bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or additional cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Mushroom Magic: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for the best texture and flavor. Slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Pasta Perfection: Always salt your pasta water generously and cook just until al dente. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness.
- Sauce Consistency: If your coconut milk sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. If it's too thick, use reserved pasta water to thin it out – this starchy water also helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Flavor Boosters: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing mushrooms or a pinch of nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone.
- Garnish Game: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil can elevate the dish's visual appeal and add a fresh flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 0mg
