Creamy Lion's Mane Pesto Pasta

How to cook Creamy Mushroom Pesto Pasta with our freshly grown Lion's Mane. Every time we cook with Lion’s Mane we are even more convinced that this may be the most versatile mushroom in the game.

RECIPES & KITCHENLION'S MANE RECIPES

7/29/20252 min read

Video credit : Derek Sarno (Web, Youtube)

At our specialty mushroom farm in Prague, we’re proud to grow and deliver fresh, organic Lion’s Mane mushrooms directly to local homes and restaurants. This rare and highly prized mushroom isn’t just a superfood—it’s also a gourmet ingredient that’s quickly becoming a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.

Elevate the classic creamy pesto pasta by adding the rich flavors and textures of locally-grown mushrooms. This vegan-friendly recipe combines al dente pasta, vibrant homemade pesto, and the umami depth of lion’s mane—alongside shiitake and oyster options from our Prague mushroom farm. It’s perfect for home cooks and restaurant chefs seeking plant-based sophistication with a farm-to-table twist.

Ingredients
  • 300 g dried pasta (fettuccine or linguine)

  • 200 g fresh lion’s mane mushrooms, torn into bite-sized pieces

  • Optional additions: 100 g shiitake or oyster mushrooms for variety

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 3 tbsp vegan cream or soaked cashews blended to creamy texture

  • 4 tbsp basil pesto (use homemade or quality store-bought)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Grated nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta
Boil pasta in well-salted water to al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Sauté Mushrooms
Heat oil or vegan butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add lion’s mane (and optional shiitake/oyster). Sauté until golden and tender, about 5–6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add Garlic & Cream
Lower heat, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in vegan cream or cashew cream until warmed through.

4. Combine with Pesto
Add pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a velvety sauce.

5. Toss Pasta Together
Return pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Adjust texture with additional pasta water if needed. Season to taste.

6. Serve
Plate immediately, garnished with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan and extra cracked pepper.

Why Mushrooms from Prague Matter
  • Freshness & Flavour: Locally-grown lion’s mane, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms offer superior taste and texture since harvested daily at our Prague farm.

  • Clean & Sustainable: No artificial chemicals or long-distance transport—just pure, farm-to-plate goodness.

  • Culinary Versatility: Each variety adds unique character—lion’s mane for meaty texture, shiitake for deep umami, and oyster for a delicate finish.

Chef’s Notes & Variations
  • Vegan alternative: Swap dairy cream and parmesan with vegan choices like cashew cream and nutritional yeast for richness without animal ingredients.

  • Protein boost: Garnish with toasted pine nuts or add white beans for extra protein and texture.

  • Seasonal herbs: Stir in fresh parsley or basil at the end to brighten the dish.

Bring this recipe to your menu or home table using mushrooms grown right here in Prague. Perfect for those looking to impress with flavour, sustainability, and local sourcing.

Grow your menu. Elevate your home cooking. Support local farming.

If you are interested in discovering their many health benefits : Lion's Mane Health Benefits

And we wanted to say a big thank you to Derek Sarno for this lovely video : https://dereksarno.com/