5 from 6 votes

Learn how to make Japanese-flavored Shiitake Mushroom Pasta! Savor this pasta’s rich, umami taste, crafted using fresh and firm shiitake mushrooms!

Looking for shiitake mushroom recipes? Try my Fried Shiitake Mushrooms, Roasted Shiitake Mushrooms, or Shiitake Mushroom Soup!

Japanese-flavored shiitake mushroom pasta served on a plate.

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This shiitake mushroom pasta is perfect for those who love Japanese shiitake mushrooms.
With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
It’s incredibly easy to make! With simple steps and ingredients, you can have delicious shiitake pasta on the table in no time!

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are flavorful mushrooms and pantry staples in Japan. They are round, thick, and have a meaty texture. They are versatile and can be used in many dishes, such as sautéed, roasted, or used in soups to add rich umami flavor to the dish. In contrast, dried shiitake mushrooms are a key ingredient in Japanese cuisine, particularly in making dashi stock, commonly used as a base for soups and sauces.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Shiitake Mushroom Spaghetti:

Long pasta – Spaghetti works well in this recipe, but you can also use any other type of long pasta or yakisoba noodles.
Shiitake mushrooms and onion.
Olive oil: Use good-quality olive oil to sautéing the mushrooms and onions. For extra flavor, drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the pasta before serving it.
Simply season the pasta with soy sauce, garlic, and salt and black pepper.

How To Make Shiitake Mushroom Pasta: STEP BY STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

Step 1

Slice shiitake and onion thinly.

Step 2

Cook pasta noodles according to the package instructions.

Step 3

Sauté shiitake and onion until tender. Add soy sauce, grated garlic, and pasta water to make the sauce.

Step 4

Add the cooked pasta and combine until the pasta is fully incorporated in the sauce.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, serve, and enjoy the delicious pasta!

Recipe Tips

You don’t need to clean the mushrooms with water. They quickly absorb moisture and can lose their flavor and aroma if washed. If there is light dirt, you can easily remove it by wiping it with a paper towel.
Choose fresh and firm shiitake mushrooms. Avoid mushrooms that are slimy or have a strong, unpleasant odor. See the details below.
Save some of the pasta water. The starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick.

How to Pick Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms

To select tasty shiitake mushrooms, check their shape and color. Follow these guidelines for choosing the best ones:

Look for thick, brown, and glossy caps that are not entirely flat but have a domed shape.
Check that the back of the cap is whitish and the pleats are firm.
Ensure the stem is thick and short.

Avoid choosing shiitake with brown backs, as this indicates they are not fresh. Avoid choosing them altogether if you notice a sour smell, as they may have gone bad.

Variations

If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your shiitake mushroom pasta, here are a few more pasta sauce variations to consider:

Savory miso sauce – Adding miso paste to your pasta sauce can create a savory umami flavor. Whisk together one teaspoon of miso paste and soy sauce to make a flavorful sauce.
Simple tomato sauce – A classic tomato sauce can be a great addition to shiitake mushroom pasta. You can add some tomato paste after adding soy sauce and garnish with dried herbs like oregano and basil to taste.
Creamy sauce – A creamy sauce can add richness and depth to your shiitake mushroom pasta. Add coconut milk or a dairy-free option along with soy sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Add some chopped herbs like fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.

Add some garnishes like kosher salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or lemon juice to enhance the flavor. These simple touches can take your shiitake mushroom pasta to the next level!

What To Serve With

While shiitake mushroom pasta can certainly be enjoyed on its own, serving it with a salad and soup can make for a satisfying and complete meal! I recommend serving it with Wakame Seaweed Salad and Daikon Soup with Egg!

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