Easy Mushroom Pasta Recipe – Veeba Red Sauce & Chili Flakes

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Mushroom Pasta Recipe – Veeba Red Sauce & Chili Flakes

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together quickly. This mushroom pasta recipe is exactly that – a total lifesaver on busy weeknights. I first made this when I was craving something warm and satisfying, and honestly, it’s been a regular in my rotation ever since. The best part? It uses Veeba red pasta sauce, which makes things so much easier without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The combination of earthy mushrooms, tangy tomato sauce, and a little kick from chili flakes is just chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s totally customizable – add more veggies, swap out the cheese, or adjust the spice level to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful pasta:

• 1 cup bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 0.5 cup Veeba red pasta sauce
• 1 cup button mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.25 cup cheddar cheese (or your favorite!)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• 0.5 tsp chili flakes (or more, to taste!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients and how to get the most out of them:

Veeba Red Pasta Sauce – A Convenient Base

Veeba red pasta sauce is a game-changer! It’s made with real tomatoes and has a lovely, authentic flavor. It saves so much time compared to making sauce from scratch, which is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You’ll need about half a cup for this recipe.

Button Mushrooms – Varieties & Substitutions

Button mushrooms are readily available and affordable, but feel free to experiment! Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms add a richer, earthier flavor. Shiitake or oyster mushrooms would also be fantastic. About 200g of mushrooms is perfect.

Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle) – Shape & Texture

I love using farfalle (bow tie pasta) because its shape holds the sauce beautifully. But honestly, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli will work great. About 150g of dry pasta is what you’re looking for.

Chili Flakes – Adjusting the Spice Level

Chili flakes add a lovely warmth, but you can totally adjust the amount to your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with ¼ tsp and add more as needed. My friend, Priya, loves to add a full teaspoon for a real kick!

Italian Seasoning – Blend & Fresh Herb Alternatives

Italian seasoning is a convenient blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. If you prefer, you can use 1 tsp of dried oregano and ½ tsp of dried basil instead. Or, if you have fresh herbs on hand, even better!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente – about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining! This is liquid gold, trust me.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and grated garlic. Sauté for 10-15 minutes, until the mushrooms are nicely browned and softened. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Pour in the Veeba red pasta sauce and sauté for 2-3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
4. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly.
5. Now, stir in the sautéed mushrooms and chili flakes. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. A little extra cheese on top never hurt anyone, right?

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make this pasta even better:

Achieving Al Dente Pasta

“Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian. The pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Check it a minute or two before the package directions suggest.

Sautéing Mushrooms for Maximum Flavor

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when sautéing the mushrooms. This will steam them instead of browning them. Work in batches if necessary.

Creating a Smooth Sauce Consistency

The reserved pasta water is key to creating a smooth, emulsified sauce. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Melting the Cheese Perfectly

Covering the skillet helps trap the heat and melt the cheese evenly.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Mushroom Pasta

Simply use a vegan cheese alternative and ensure your Italian seasoning doesn’t contain any animal products. My cousin, who’s vegan, loves adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Gluten-Free Mushroom Pasta

Use gluten-free pasta! There are tons of great options available now.

Spice Level Adjustment – Mild to Fiery

Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Quick Weeknight Version – Simplified Ingredients

Skip the sautéing of the garlic and just add it directly to the sauce. It’ll still be delicious!

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Storage Instructions

Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, and fusilli are all great choices. But honestly, farfalle is my favorite!

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of button mushrooms?

Absolutely! Fresh mushrooms will add even more flavor.

How can I make the sauce richer and creamier?

Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.

Can this pasta be made ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and sauté the mushrooms ahead of time. Store them separately and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

What is the best way to store leftover pasta?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!