Creamy Pesto Pasta Crunch with Mushrooms 

Dreaming of a dinner that’s comforting, creamy, and crowned with a crunchy, golden topping? This Creamy Pesto Pasta Crunch with Mushrooms hits every note. Earthy mushrooms, fresh basil pesto, a silky béchamel, and a garlicky panko topping—all tossed with pasta to create the ultimate vegan comfort food. Whether you're hosting or just treating yourself, this pasta dish delivers flavor and texture in every bite!

Why You'll Love This 🍝

• Luxuriously Creamy – Thanks to a smooth plant-based béchamel and vibrant pesto.
• Crunchy Top Layer – A golden panko crust adds texture and flair.
• Umami-Rich Mushrooms – Bring a savory depth to balance the creamy sauce.
• Customizable – Swap in your favorite herbs, pasta shapes, or nuts!
• 100% Vegan & Irresistible – Plant-based comfort food done right.

Other Pastas To Try 🍝

• Homemade Pesto Bucatini Pasta With Juicy Marbles
• Vegan French Onion Pasta Recipe
• Hearts of Palm Ceviche Pasta Salad
• 2 Ingredient Pasta
• Easy & Quick Two-Step Asian-Style Spaghetti Recipe
• Vegan Capellini Bolognese Pasta
• Vegan CPK Pesto Cream Penne Recipe
• Vegan Walhalla Pasta Inspired by Outback Steakhouse
• Crunchy Vegan One-Pan Spaghetti & Meatballs
• Vegan Spaghetti Carbonara (No Egg)
• Easy Quinoa Spaghetti With Vegan Meatballs
• Easy Vegan Gochujang Spaghetti
• Quick & Easy Vegan Bucatini Alla Puttanesca Recipe

Ingredients 📝

For the Béchamel:

• Plant milk – Forms the creamy base of the sauce
• All-purpose flour – Thickens the béchamel
• Onion – Adds aromatic depth
• Vegan butter – Gives the sauce a rich flavor

For the Pesto:

• Fresh basil – The herbaceous heart of your pesto
• Garlic – Brings a punchy, savory note
• Seeds or nuts – Adds creaminess and body to the pesto (e.g., pine nuts, sunflower seeds, cashews)

For the Crunch:

• Panko bread crumbs – The star of the crispy topping
• Garlic – Infuses the topping with bold flavor
• Olive oil – Helps toast the panko to golden perfection
• Nutritional yeast – Adds cheesy, umami richness

For the Mushroom Base:

• Mushroom medley – A mix of cremini, shiitake, oyster, or any favorite mushrooms
• Spaghetti noodles – Classic pasta base that holds the sauce beautifully

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Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Make the Béchamel

• In a saucepan, melt vegan butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour to form a roux.
• Slowly add plant milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thick.
• Add finely diced onion and cook until translucent and infused.

2. Cook the Mushrooms

• In a separate pan, sauté your mushroom medley in olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and tender.

3. Prepare the Pesto

• In a food processor, blend basil, garlic, nuts/seeds, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

4. Mix the Sauce

• Stir the pesto into the béchamel sauce.
• Add the sautéed mushrooms and toss until well combined.

5. Cook the Pasta

• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
• Reserve a bit of pasta water, then drain and combine with the creamy mushroom pesto sauce.

6. Make the Crunchy Topping

• Sauté minced garlic in olive oil.
• Add panko, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt.
• Toast until golden and fragrant.

7. Assemble

• Spoon the creamy pasta into a serving dish.
• Generously sprinkle with the crunchy topping.
• Optional: broil for a minute or two to crisp the top even more!

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Variations & Substitutions 🔄

• Nut-Free Pesto – Use sunflower seeds or pepitas instead of nuts.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
• Add Greens – Stir in baby spinach or kale with the mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.

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FAQs 🤔

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the sauce and topping in advance. Cook pasta fresh before serving.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Keep in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

3. Can I freeze this?

You can freeze the sauce and topping separately. Cooked pasta is best fresh.

4. What other mushrooms can I use?

Any combo works—try portobello, enoki, or even button mushrooms.

5. Is there a non-panko alternative?

Use crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

6. What pairs well with this pasta?

A fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or vegan garlic bread.

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Top Tip 💡

Use pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick. It also helps the sauce cling to the noodles beautifully!

Hint 👀

Don’t skip the crunchy topping—it’s the texture contrast that makes this dish shine!

Enjoy your Creamy Pesto Pasta Crunch with Mushrooms—a cozy, indulgent, and texture-packed plant-based pasta that’s perfect any day of the week! 🌱🍝✨