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Mushroom Ragu

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A rich, savory mushroom ragu made with fresh herbs, garlic, and balsamic—perfect served over pasta for a hearty vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion

2 medium carrots

1 large stalk celery

3 cloves garlic, grated

½ teaspoon rosemary

3 bay leaves

½ cup (130 g) tomato paste

2 pounds (900 g) mushrooms (1 lb white, 1 lb brown)

1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

⅛ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or more to taste)

10 fresh basil leaves

12 ounces (340 g) pasta (fettuccine recommended)

Parmesan cheese, optional for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

Coarsely chop mushrooms with a knife or pulse in a food processor (work in 3–4 batches if needed).

Chop onion, carrots, and celery with a knife or pulse in the food processor.

Make the Flavor Base:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes, stirring often.

Stir in garlic, rosemary, bay leaves, and tomato paste. Cook for 3 more minutes, until tomato paste darkens.

Cook the Mushrooms:

Add mushrooms, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for ~20 minutes, or until mushroom liquid has evaporated and sauce is thick.

Stir in balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Cook Pasta & Combine:

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Add pasta to the mushroom ragu with ¼ cup of pasta water. Toss over medium heat until well combined.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Texture Tip: Aim for a thick, rich, almost creamy consistency. Cook down mushrooms fully so the ragu doesn’t end up watery.

Vegan Option: Skip Parmesan or use vegan cheese.

Make Ahead: Store ragu in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add a splash of water if needed.

Wine Variation: Deglaze with a splash of red wine before adding mushrooms for a deeper flavor.