Truffle pasta is a classic Italian dish that exudes elegance and taste with every bite. This delicious pasta dish combines the earthy flavors of truffles with the rich creaminess of a perfectly cooked pasta. It’s healthy, flavorful, and super easy to make!
This dish is perfect for date nights or when you want to make your dinner extra special. What’s best is that you can do all of that without having to slave away over the kitchen stove.
It’s vegan and features the most delicious cashew sauce that you’ll want to use in everything else you make too!
The secret to a truly delicious truffle pasta lies in the quality of ingredients and the way you cook truffles. But don’t let that scare you, my recipe will teach you exactly how to do that super easily at home!
Even if this is your first time trying anything truffle, you’re going to absolutely love this pasta dish. It is packed with flavor and will transform your dish into an incredible fine-dining experience.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this truffle pasta recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious truffle pasta recipe today!
Jump to:
- What is Truffle Pasta?
- What Kind of Truffles Should I Use?
- Why This Is The Best Truffle Pasta Recipe
- What You Need to Make Truffle Pasta At Home
- How to Make Truffle Pasta Step by Step
- Tips For Making the Best Truffle Pasta Every Single Time
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Truffle Pasta
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Truffle Pasta
- Similar Recipes
- Recipe
What is Truffle Pasta?
Truffle pasta is a dish made with pasta, usually a long noodle like linguine or fettuccine, that is flavored with truffle oil or shaved truffles.
Truffle oil is a luxurious and highly aromatic oil made from truffles, which are a type of rare and expensive fungi found underground. It's hard to find it in raw form, but luckily there are a few of places where you can buy preserved truffles.
The dish is typically made by cooking the pasta until al dente and then tossing it in a sauce made with butter, garlic, and truffle oil. It is often garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley.
My mother-in-law first introduced me to truffles in a jar many years ago. They are usually preserved in water or oil and make an amazing addition to literally any recipe, especially the ones that lack flavor.
One of the main attractions of truffle pasta is its rich and earthy flavor. Truffles have a unique and intense taste that is often described as musky and slightly nutty. When incorporated into a pasta dish, this flavor adds depth and complexity. The truffle oil or shaved truffles also impart a beautiful aroma to the dish.
Plus, truffle pasta is considered a luxurious dish. Truffles are highly sought-after and can be quite expensive, making this dish a special treat. The combination of the premium ingredients and the flavorful sauce makes it a memorable dining experience.
What Kind of Truffles Should I Use?
The type of truffles you want to use it entirely up to you. Black truffles are the most common variety that’s more easily available in grocery stores or specialty Italian food markets.
Alternatively, you can use white truffles as well though they’re usually a lot more expensive.
Since finding fresh truffles can be tricky depending on where you live, I’ve used summer black truffle carpaccio packed in water for this recipe but the ones packed in olive oil will work too!
Black Summer Truffle has an intense earthy flavor and it works perfect in pasta dishes. I usually buy the jars of Black Truffle Carpaccio over at Home Goods.
Why This Is The Best Truffle Pasta Recipe
Delicious: The combination of earthy truffle flavor with rich and creamy pasta sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.
Easy: This recipe is simple to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Versatile: The truffle pasta can be easily customized to suit individual tastes by adding ingredients such as mushrooms, bacon, or parmesan cheese, allowing for just about endless variations.
Crowd-pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit at dinner parties or gatherings, as it appeals to a wide range of palates and is sure to leave everyone satisfied and asking for seconds.
Special: What sets this truffle pasta recipe apart is the use of high-quality truffles, which infuses the dish with an intense and distinctive flavor that you’re going to fall in love with.
What You Need to Make Truffle Pasta At Home
All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious truffle mushroom pasta recipe at home.
Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
Raw unsalted cashews: We will be needing some raw unsalted cashews soaked in water to make this recipe, as it will provide a creamy and rich texture to the dish. They also add a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
Water: Remember to add some water to this recipe, as it will help to blend the soaked cashews into a smooth and creamy vegan truffle pasta sauce. The water will also be used to cook the spaghetti and create the desired consistency for the dish.
Salt: We will add some kosher salt to season the dish and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. The salt will help to balance the creaminess of the cashew sauce and add depth to the overall taste.
Spaghetti: We will also need some spaghetti noodles to make this recipe, as it will serve as a base for the dish. The spaghetti will be cooked until al dente and then tossed with the creamy cashew sauce for a delicious meal.
Shaved truffles carpaccio: Use shaved truffles carpaccio as it will add a luxurious and earthy flavor to the dish. The delicate truffle slices will elevate the overall taste and make it truly special.
Truffle water or truffle oil: We will also need some truffle water or truffle oil to make this recipe, as it will infuse the dish with the distinct and aromatic truffle flavor. The truffle water or oil can be drizzled over the finished dish for added taste.
Flavor Enhancers:
Fresh basil: We will add fresh basil to this recipe, as it will provide a fresh element to the dish. The basil leaves can be torn and scattered on top of the finished plate for a vibrant and aromatic garnish.
Red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper (optional): We will also need red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper for this recipe, as it will add a hint of spice and heat to the dish. The choice between the two options depends on personal preference.
How to Make Truffle Pasta Step by Step
Making this incredible black truffle pasta recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
To prepare the cashew cream, start by draining the cashews and adding them to a high-speed blender. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ cup of water to the blender.
Process the mixture on high for 2-3 minutes until it becomes creamy and thick. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more water to achieve the desired consistency.
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Add 8 oz of spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook the spaghetti for 10-12 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
While the pasta is cooking, add the cashew cream to a large non-stick pan and heat it on low until it simmers. Add the truffles and truffle water or oil to the pan.
Tips For Making the Best Truffle Pasta Every Single Time
Prep the ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure to chop all the ingredients, such as the garlic, shallots, and parsley, as this will help save time and keep the cooking process smooth.
Cook the pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it is cooked but still firm to the bite. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
Reserve pasta water: Before draining the cooked pasta, remember to reserve some of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Toss the pasta with sauce: Instead of pouring sauce over the pasta, toss the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. This will make sure that every strand of pasta is coated evenly and will allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Add truffles at the very end: When cooking vegetarian pasta with truffles, there's one important detail to remember. Always add truffles at the very end of the cooking process. You just want them to become the same temperature as your dish. Overcooking results in almost tasteless truffles and less flavorful dish.
Garnish with fresh basil: Before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the truffle pasta, enhancing its overall presentation and taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the truffle pasta with a crisp green sala or baked vegetables like green beans or zucchini since they work great as side dish. The fresh and light flavors of the salad will complement the rich and earthy flavors of the truffle pasta.
- Top the truffle pasta with grated Parmesan cheese, olives, and fresh cracked black pepper. The cheese adds a creamy and salty element to the dish, while the black pepper adds a hint of heat and spice.
- Serve the truffle pasta with a side of garlic bread. The warm and toasty bread will soak up the flavorful truffle sauce, making every bite even more delicious.
- Pair the truffle pasta with a glass of red wine or white wine. The bold and complex flavors of the wine will enhance the savory flavors of truffle pasta, creating a perfect pairing.
- Garnish the truffle pasta with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for added freshness and color. The herbs will provide a pop of freshness that balances out the richness of the truffle sauce.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Truffle Pasta
This delicious truffle pasta recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:
Mushroom: Add sautéed mushrooms to the truffle pasta to enhance the earthy flavors. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until golden brown, then toss them with the cooked pasta and truffle sauce for a delicious variation.
Spinach: Add wilted spinach to the truffle pasta for a touch of freshness and added nutrients. Sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted, then mix it with the cooked pasta and truffle sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress.
Chicken: Add cooked chicken breast to the truffle pasta to make it a heartier meal. Season and cook chicken breast until fully cooked, then slice it and mix it with the cooked pasta and truffle sauce. The addition of chicken adds protein and makes it a complete meal.
Parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of the truffle pasta before serving for an extra layer of richness. The nutty and salty flavors of parmesan compliment the truffle sauce perfectly.
Bacon: Add crispy cooked bacon to the truffle pasta for a burst of smoky flavor. Cook bacon until crispy, crumble it, and mix it with the cooked pasta and truffle sauce. The combination of truffle and bacon gives us a delicious and satisfying dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use any type of pasta for this recipe. Popular choices include fettuccine, linguine, or tagliatelle, as they have a wide surface area to hold the creamy sauce. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or whatever you have on hand.
Truffles are edible fungi, similar to mushrooms, that develop among the underground roots of some trees, such as oak or hazelnut. The majority of their growth occurs in small, concentrated areas around the globe, including New Zealand, the Pacific Northwest, Europe's France and Italy, and so forth.
In this recipe, I used Summer Black Truffle Carpaccio packed in water but the ones that are packed in olive oil will work just as great. Black Summer Truffle has an intense earthy flavor and it works perfect in pasta dishes.
I usually buy the jars of Black Truffle Carpaccio over at Home Goods or on Amazon.
Yes, you can customize the truffle pasta recipe by adding other ingredients. Some popular additions include sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon or pancetta, roasted asparagus, or a sprinkle of truffle salt. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, but the truffle flavor will still shine through.
How to Store Leftover Truffle Pasta
This vegan Black Truffle Macaroni & Cheese is best when eaten right away. So cook as much as you'll eat in one sitting.
Similar Recipes
If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment below and rate it. I always appreciate the feedback. Also, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
Recipe
Super Creamy Vegan Truffle Pasta
Video
Ingredients
- 1 c raw unsalted cashews soaked in 2 cups of water overnight or at least 2 hours
- ½ c water
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 tablespoon Shaved Truffles Carpaccio
- 4 tablespoon truffle water or 1 tablespoon truffle oil
- 4 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper optional for serving
Instructions
Prepare cashew cream
- Drain cashews and add them to a high speed blender along with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ cup of water. Process on high for 2-3 minutes until creamy and thick. You might want to add more water if the sauce comes out too thick.
Prepare pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 oz of spaghetti and cook for 10-12 minutes of until spaghetti are al dente or cooked through.
Prepare cashew truffle sauce
- Meanwhile add cashew cream to a large non-stick pan and bring to a low simmer. Add truffles, truffle water (or oil), give it a whisk. After 1 minute remove cashew cream sauce from the heat.
Combine pasta with the sauce
- Drain spaghetti reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Add spaghetti to a pan with cashew cream and toss to combine adding few tablespoon of pasta cooking water to thin out the sauce. Adjust the seasoning.
- Serve immediately garnished with chopped basil and freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Melissa says
This was excellent. It has the perfect amount of truffle taste/aroma/flavor and it wasn't that hard to make.
Thank you for sharing!
Iryna says
Thank you Melissa for your comment and a 5-star rating! I'm very happy you enjoyed this recipe!
Pamela says
Made with truffle oil, thinly sliced mushrooms instead of the shaved truffles the first time and fresh Basil from our garden. Once we get the shaved truffles will try it again.
Iryna says
Hi Pamela! Thank you for your comment and a 5-star rating! Yes, regular mushrooms in creamy sauce taste just as delicious. I hope you'll give this recipe a try with the shaved truffles too.