Tomato & Marinara

Spaghetti With Mushroom And Tomato Sauce

Name: Spaghetti With Mushroom And Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoes; 1 can (6 oz/170g) tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

By Marcus Vanover · June 19, 2026 · Tomato & Marinara

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total60 min

Serves4

Delicious Spaghetti With Mushroom And Tomato Sauce

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of spaghetti to bring the family together. As a child, I would often help my grandmother in the kitchen, learning the secrets of traditional Italian cooking. One of my favorite dishes was her spaghetti with mushroom and tomato sauce - a classic Italian-American recipe that never fails to impress.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner.

In this recipe, we'll take you through the steps to create a delicious spaghetti with mushroom and tomato sauce. From the initial prep work to the final finishing touches, we'll cover everything you need to know to make this dish a success. So, let's get started!

As we cook, I'll share some of my favorite tips and tricks for making this recipe truly special. From the importance of using high-quality ingredients to the secret to creating a silky, smooth sauce, we'll cover it all. And, of course, we'll include some delicious serving suggestions to help you make the most of your meal.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, let's get cooking and create a delicious spaghetti with mushroom and tomato sauce that will leave everyone wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner.
The dish is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.
The sauce is rich and flavorful, with layers of depth and complexity.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes.
The dish is budget-friendly and makes a great weeknight dinner option.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great spaghetti with mushroom and tomato sauce is in the layers of flavor. By sautéing the mushrooms and onions in olive oil, we create a rich and savory base for the sauce. Then, by adding in the canned tomatoes and tomato paste, we add a burst of acidity and a depth of flavor that elevates the dish to the next level.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of starchy pasta water to finish the sauce. By adding a ladle of the pasta water to the sauce, we create a silky and smooth texture that clings to the spaghetti perfectly. This is a classic Italian technique that makes all the difference in the world.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the spaghetti rest for a few minutes before serving, we allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. This makes for a much more satisfying and enjoyable eating experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great spaghetti with mushroom and tomato sauce, the ingredients are everything. You'll want to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mushrooms and canned tomatoes, to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Here are the ingredients you'll need to get started:

Be sure to choose the best ingredients you can find, as this will make all the difference in the final dish. And don't be afraid to experiment and try new things - after all, that's what cooking is all about!

1 lb (450g) spaghettiLook for high-quality spaghetti that is made from durum wheat semolina. This will give your dish a nice texture and flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a good-quality olive oil that has a rich, fruity flavor. This will add depth and complexity to your sauce.
1 small onion, finely choppedUse a sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or a Maui onion, for the best flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in many Italian dishes, and it adds a rich, savory flavor to this sauce.
8 oz (225g) mushrooms, slicedUse a variety of mushroom that has a rich, earthy flavor, such as cremini or shiitake.
2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoesLook for high-quality canned tomatoes that are made from fresh, ripe tomatoes. This will give your sauce a bright, tangy flavor.
1 can (6 oz/170g) tomato pasteTomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that adds a deep, rich flavor to the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried basilBasil is a classic Italian herb that adds a bright, fresh flavor to the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried oreganoOregano is a pungent, earthy herb that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse a good-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to season the sauce to taste.
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a classic Italian cheese that adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyParsley is a fresh, green herb that adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.

Ingredients for Spaghetti With Mushroom And Tomato Sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panLarge pot for boiling spaghettiColander or strainerWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometerCheese grater or food processor

How to Make Spaghetti With Mushroom And Tomato Sauce

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
5
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
6
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until it has thickened and reduced slightly.
7
Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it has reached the desired consistency.
8
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it in the sauce, using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, until the spaghetti is well coated.
9
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
10
Transfer the spaghetti to a serving dish and top it with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
11
Let the spaghetti rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Expert Tips

Use a good-quality olive oil that has a rich, fruity flavor to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
Don't overcook the spaghetti - it should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti to add to the sauce and create a silky, smooth texture.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Use a variety of mushroom that has a rich, earthy flavor, such as cremini or shiitake, for the best flavor.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking to preserve its nutty flavor and texture.
Let the spaghetti rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the spaghetti, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can result in a sauce that is too thick and sticky.
Not letting the sauce simmer for long enough, which can result in a sauce that is too thin and lacking in flavor.
Not using a good-quality olive oil, which can result in a sauce that is lacking in depth and complexity.
Not adding the grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking, which can result in a sauce that is lacking in flavor and texture.
Not letting the spaghetti rest for a few minutes before serving, which can result in a dish that is unappetizing and lacking in flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some chopped fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for added freshness and flavor.
Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add some diced cooked sausage or bacon to the sauce for added protein and flavor.
Use a different type of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a unique texture and flavor.
Add some chopped fresh parsley or basil to the sauce for added freshness and flavor.

What to Serve With Spaghetti With Mushroom And Tomato Sauce

This spaghetti with mushroom and tomato sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. Serve it with some garlic bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include adding some diced cooked chicken or shrimp to the sauce for added protein, or using a different type of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a unique texture and flavor.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or shrimpSauteed spinach or broccoli

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This spaghetti with mushroom and tomato sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To make ahead, simply cook the spaghetti and sauce as directed, then let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooled spaghetti to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

To reheat, simply thaw the frozen spaghetti overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming. Alternatively, you can reheat the refrigerated spaghetti in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot and steaming.

Some tips for reheating this dish include adding a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the spaghetti to prevent it from drying out, and stirring the spaghetti frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of mushrooms should I use for this recipe?

You can use a variety of mushrooms for this recipe, such as cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms. The most important thing is to choose mushrooms that have a rich, earthy flavor and a meaty texture.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes, but you will need to cook them down and puree them to create a smooth sauce. This will add an extra step to the recipe and may affect the flavor and texture of the sauce.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?

To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together, you can add a little bit of oil to the cooking water and stir the spaghetti frequently while it is cooking. You can also rinse the cooked spaghetti with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply cook the spaghetti and sauce as directed, then let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container.

How do I reheat the spaghetti without drying it out?

To reheat the spaghetti without drying it out, you can add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the spaghetti and stir it frequently while it is heating. You can also cover the spaghetti with a lid or plastic wrap to trap the moisture and heat.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan, such as mozzarella or ricotta. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cheese may affect the overall dish.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, you can add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the sauce and stir it frequently while it is simmering. You can also reduce the amount of tomato paste or simmer the sauce for a shorter amount of time.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce for added flavor?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce for added flavor, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini, chopped fresh herbs, or cooked sausage or bacon. Just be sure to adjust the amount of seasoning and spices accordingly.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card