Adaptogenic Mushroom Stress Relief Pasta (Print Version)

Creamy fettuccine with adaptogenic mushrooms and soothing herbs for gentle calm and nourishing comfort.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces whole wheat fettuccine or pasta of choice

→ Mushrooms & Vegetables

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

→ Adaptogens & Herbs

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

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

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

01 - Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
03 - Introduce minced garlic, sliced cremini mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden brown and tender.
04 - Incorporate ashwagandha powder, reishi mushroom powder, crushed holy basil, crushed lemon balm, black pepper, and sea salt. Cook for 1 minute to activate their aromas.
05 - Pour in the plant-based milk and vegetable broth. Stir in the nutritional yeast. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring periodically, until the sauce has slightly thickened.
06 - Add the chopped baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until just wilted.
07 - Stir in the lemon juice. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat with the sauce. If a thinner consistency is desired, gradually add the reserved pasta water.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and toasted sunflower seeds, if using.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 40 minutes
  • Uses adaptogenic herbs that help combat stress
  • Creates a creamy sauce without dairy
  • Packed with immune-supporting mushrooms
  • Simple enough for weeknights but impressive for guests
02 -
  • This dish contains clinically studied adaptogens that may help reduce cortisol levels
  • The combination of reishi and ashwagandha has been used for centuries in traditional medicine
  • Each serving provides a meaningful dose of stress-supporting compounds
  • Perfect for meal prep as flavors deepen overnight
  • Can be enjoyed hot or cold as a pasta salad
03 -
  • Toast the adaptogenic powders briefly before adding liquids to enhance their flavor and bioavailability. Just be careful not to burn them, as high heat can damage some of their beneficial compounds.
  • For the creamiest possible sauce without dairy, blend 1/4 cup of the cooked mushrooms with the plant milk before adding to the skillet.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Consider making it ahead for an even more flavorful experience.

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