Adaptogenic Mushroom Pasta Blend (Printable)

Creamy pasta features adaptogenic mushrooms and calming herbs, offering comfort and supporting wellbeing.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces whole wheat fettuccine or pasta of choice

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
06 - 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
07 - 1 cup baby spinach, chopped

→ Adaptogens & Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon dried ashwagandha powder
09 - 1 teaspoon dried reishi mushroom powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried holy basil (tulsi), crushed
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried lemon balm, crushed
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

→ Sauce Components

14 - 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (oat or almond), 240 ml
15 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 120 ml
16 - 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 25 g
17 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
19 - 1 tablespoon toasted sunflower seeds (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic, sliced cremini mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring periodically, until mushrooms are tender and golden, approximately 6-8 minutes.
04 - Incorporate ashwagandha powder, reishi mushroom powder, holy basil, lemon balm, black pepper, and sea salt into the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute to release fragrant aromas.
05 - Pour in the plant-based milk and vegetable broth. Add nutritional yeast. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
06 - Add the chopped baby spinach to the sauce and cook for 1 minute until wilted.
07 - Stir in the lemon juice. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
08 - Portion the pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and toasted sunflower seeds, if using.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 40 minutes
  • Uses adaptogenic herbs with potential stress-relieving properties
  • Creates a creamy sauce without dairy
  • Packed with nutrient-dense mushrooms and greens
02 -
  • Contains powerful adaptogens traditionally used to help the body manage stress
  • Can be prepared ahead and reheated for quick weeknight meals
  • Rich in immune supporting compounds from mushrooms
  • Provides plant based protein from whole grains and nutritional yeast
03 -
  • Always toast the adaptogenic powders briefly with the mushrooms before adding liquids. This enhances both their flavor and bioavailability.
  • The earthiness pairs beautifully with the mushrooms while making the herbs more effective.