The Secret to the Best Mushroom Pesto Pasta Dish: Add Pasta Water

When it comes to making the perfect mushroom pesto pasta dish, actually any pasta dish, there are several tips and tricks that chefs and home cooks alike swear by. One of the most effective yet often overlooked techniques is the practice of adding some pasta water back over your pasta before serving. This seemingly simple step can make your pasta dishes become a whole new level of delicious. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of adding pasta water back over your pasta, how to do it correctly, and the best dishes for this technique. Along the way, we’ll also discuss how this technique works wonders with a flavourful mushroom pesto, ensuring your pasta dishes are always restaurant-quality. Check out Saucerers Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle pesto here > 

If you do not add pasta water back into your pasta dish, you can expect the sauce to be less cohesive and flavourful. Without the starchy pasta water, the sauce might not adhere well to the pasta, leaving it dry and unevenly coated. This is particularly true for a sauce like mushroom pesto, which benefits greatly from the binding properties of pasta water. The dish may also lack the creamy texture that pasta water helps to create, resulting in a less satisfying mouthfeel. Additionally, without the added moisture, the flavours of the mushroom pesto can become too concentrated or overpowering, rather than being evenly distributed throughout the dish. Check out this article by The New York Times about adding pasta water back into pasta dishes > 

The Magic of Pasta Water

1. Natural Thickening Agent

Pasta water is often referred to as "liquid gold" in the culinary world, and for good reason. During the cooking process, pasta releases starch into the water. This starchy water can act as a natural thickening agent when added back to your pasta dishes. Unlike plain water, the starch in pasta water helps to bind the sauce and pasta together, creating a creamy, cohesive dish. Want to know more about starch, read this article by Medical News Today > 

2. Enhancing Sauce Consistency

One of the key benefits of adding pasta water back over your pasta is that it enhances the consistency of your sauce. Many pasta sauces, especially those made with mushroom pesto, (here is more info on Saucerers Mushroom Pesto >) can benefit from the addition of pasta water. The starch in the water helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta, ensuring every bite is flavourful and well-coated.

3. Balancing Flavours

Pasta water also plays a crucial role in balancing flavours. Often, when pasta is drained completely and tossed with sauce, the flavours can become too concentrated or overpowering. Adding a splash of pasta water helps to dilute and distribute the flavours more evenly, creating a well-balanced dish.

How to Add Pasta Water Back Over Your Pasta

1. Reserve the Pasta Water

Before draining your pasta, remember to reserve a cup or so of the cooking water. It's easy to forget this step, but it's crucial for the technique to work. Simply use a heatproof measuring cup to scoop out some water before you drain the pasta. This is the tricky bit, often forgotten in a hurry! 

2. Add Pasta Water Gradually

Once your pasta and sauce are ready, start by adding a small amount of reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss the pasta and sauce together, gradually adding more water as needed until you achieve the desired consistency. It's important to add the water slowly to avoid making the sauce too watery.

3. Adjust Seasoning

After adding the pasta water, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, the addition of pasta water can dilute the flavors slightly, so a bit of extra salt, pepper, or other seasonings may be needed.

Best Dishes to Add Pasta Water Back In

1. Mushroom Pesto Pasta

A mushroom pesto sauce is a perfect candidate for adding pasta water. The earthy, rich flavours of the mushrooms combined with the creamy pesto sauce create a delightful dish that benefits greatly from the addition of starchy pasta water. The pasta water helps to meld the flavours together, creating a luscious, velvety sauce. Buy Saucerers Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle pesto here > 

2. Classic Alfredo

Alfredo sauce, with its creamy and rich texture, can sometimes become too thick. Adding pasta water helps to thin it out to the perfect consistency while enhancing the overall creaminess of the dish.

3. Carbonara

Carbonara, a classic Roman pasta dish, relies heavily on the technique of adding pasta water. The starchy water helps to create the signature silky sauce by emulsifying the egg, cheese, and pancetta mixture.

> Carbonara recipe from BBC Good Food here > 

4. Aglio e Olio

Aglio e Olio, a simple pasta dish made with garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, benefits from pasta water as it helps to create a cohesive, slightly thickened sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta strands.

5. Pesto Genovese

Traditional basil pesto is another sauce that shines with a bit of pasta water. The starchy water helps to integrate the pesto with the pasta, ensuring each bite is perfectly coated with the herby, garlicky goodness.

Why Mushroom Pesto Shines with Pasta Water

1. Creamy Texture without Cream

Mushroom pesto is a fantastic option for those who love the creamy texture of pasta sauces but want to avoid dairy. The natural starches in pasta water combine with the oils and nuts in the pesto to create a luxurious, creamy sauce without the need for cream or cheese.

2. Enhanced Mushroom Flavour

The umami-rich flavours of mushrooms are brought out even more when combined with pasta water. The water helps to distribute the mushroom flavour evenly throughout the dish, ensuring every bite is packed with earthy goodness.

3. Versatility in Dishes

Mushroom pesto isn't just for pasta. This versatile sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, all of which benefit from the addition of pasta water. Here are a few ideas:

• Mushroom Pesto Rice: Use mushroom pesto and pasta water to create a flavourful risotto or rice dish.
• Mushroom Pesto Bruschetta: Spread mushroom pesto on toasted bread, and add a splash of pasta water to ensure the pesto is smooth and spreadable.
• Mushroom Pesto Pizza: Use mushroom pesto as a pizza base, adding a bit of pasta water to ensure it spreads evenly and doesn't dry out during baking.

Recipes for Creamy Pesto Sauce for Pasta

Here are three delicious recipes that incorporate mushroom pesto and benefit from the addition of pasta water:

1. Creamy Mushroom Pesto Spaghetti

• Ingredients:
• 400g spaghetti
• 1 jar Saucerers Wild Mushroom pesto
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the mushroom pesto and reserved pasta water to the pan, stirring to combine and create a creamy sauce.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

2. Mushroom Pesto and Spinach Fettuccine

• Ingredients:
• 400g fettuccine
• 1 jar Saucerer Wild Mushroom pesto
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:

1. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. In a large pan, add the mushroom pesto and reserved pasta water, stirring to create a creamy sauce.
3. Add the cooked fettuccine and fresh spinach to the pan, tossing to coat the pasta and wilt the spinach.
4. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

3. Creamy Mushroom Pesto and Tomato Penne

• Ingredients:
• 400g penne
• 1 jar Saucerer Wild Mushroom pesto
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Method:

1. Cook the penne according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. In a large pan, add the mushroom pesto and reserved pasta water, stirring to create a creamy sauce.
3. Add the cooked penne and cherry tomatoes to the pan, tossing to coat the pasta and slightly cook the tomatoes.
4. Sprinkle with fresh basil, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Fancy trying to make your own Mushroom pesto, give this recipe a go > 

Health Benefits of Ingredients in Mushroom Pesto

1. Mushrooms: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties and potential to reduce inflammation.
2. Nuts: Often used in pesto, nuts like pine nuts or walnuts provide healthy fats, protein, and a range of essential nutrients.
3. Olive Oil: A staple in pesto, olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory.
4. Garlic: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, garlic is a powerful immune booster and adds a distinct flavour to pesto.

Conclusion

Incorporating the technique of adding pasta water back over your pasta can truly transform your dishes, especially when using a delectable sauce like mushroom pesto. The starch-rich water helps to create a creamy, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, enhancing both flavour and texture. Whether you're making a classic spaghetti, a hearty fettuccine, or a versatile penne dish, don't forget to reserve some pasta water for that perfect finish. And remember, at The Saucerer, we have done the hard work of creating delicious gourmet stir in pasta sauces for you.