Description

This Mushroom White Bean Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines earthy mushrooms, tender cannellini beans, and a rich sauce, making it a perfect option for a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor — all while being simple to make!

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (your choice of type)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini, white button, or shiitake)

Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup heavy cream (or cashew cream for a vegan version)

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the mushrooms in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, ensuring they brown properly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once golden and tender, stir in the thyme and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Add the cannellini beans and vegetable broth to the mushrooms. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to heat through. Stir in the heavy cream (or cashew cream), and simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy mushroom and bean sauce.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, acidic contrast that complements the richness of the dish.

Notes

Vegan Version: Substitute the heavy cream with cashew cream for a plant-based alternative.
Add Greens: Add spinach, kale, or arugula to increase the vegetable content.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Cheese Option: For a richer flavor, top with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option).
Noodle Options: Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb alternative.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian