The Secret to Perfect Mushroom Pasta

To kick off this tutorial, Jamie Oliver reveals the secret to making the perfect mushroom pasta. According to Jamie, the key is using a variety of mushrooms to add depth of flavor. He recommends using a combination of button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms. The different textures and tastes from these mushrooms create a wonderfully rich and satisfying pasta dish.

Jamie also emphasizes the importance of cooking the mushrooms properly. He suggests sautéing them over high heat to achieve a nice golden color and enhance their natural flavors. This step is crucial in developing the deliciousness of the dish.

Additionally, Jamie adds a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan and bring out the flavors of the mushrooms even more. This little trick elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

A selection of fresh mushrooms for the perfect mushroom pasta

Sautéing the mushrooms over high heat

Easy Steps to Make Mushroom Pasta

Now that you know the secret to perfect mushroom pasta, Jamie guides you through the easy steps to make this delicious dish at home.

1. Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Jamie recommends using linguine or spaghetti for this recipe, as they work well with the mushroom sauce.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and chili flakes for a bit of heat.

3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and spread them out in an even layer. Let them cook without stirring for a couple of minutes to allow them to develop a nice golden crust.

4. After the mushrooms have browned, give them a toss and add a knob of butter for extra richness. Stir everything together and let the mushrooms continue cooking until they are tender and beautifully caramelized.

5. At this point, Jamie adds a handful of chopped parsley to the pan to add a fresh and aromatic element to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount of parsley to your liking.

6. Once the pasta is al dente, use tongs to transfer it straight into the pan with the mushrooms. This helps to bring the flavors together and ensures every strand of pasta is coated in the delicious sauce.

7. Give everything a good toss, adding a splash of the pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed. The starchy water helps to create a glossy and cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta.

8. Finally, season the pasta with salt, pepper, and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. Jamie recommends using a microplane grater to get a fine and fluffy sprinkle of cheese.

And there you have it! A perfect mushroom pasta dish that's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

Adding the cooked pasta to the pan with the mushrooms