Easy vanlife meal: Creamy mushroom pasta

This creamy mushroom pasta is one of our vanlife favorites—quick, easy, and loved by everyone! No need for precise measurements, and with the ingredients listed below, you'll have enough to make it twice on the road. Make it your own by adding bacon or swapping green beans for your favourite green veggies.

Simple ingredients (not pictured, the white onion and bacon!)

Delicious hearty meal 

Cooking with a view at Loch Assynt (Ardvreck castle)

Ingredients

Serves 3-4 hungry campers

• ½ punnet of chestnut mushrooms (or any other variety you prefer)

• ½ white onion

• 4+ garlic cloves (adjust to your taste)

• ½ bag green beans

• ½ pot of crème fraîche

• ½ packet of pre-grated parmesan (for convenience)

• Pasta of your choice (fresh or dried)

• Salt and pepper to season

• 1 chicken or vegetable stock cube

• ½ pack of bacon or pancetta (optional)

Method

10 mins prep | 15 mins cook time

Notes: If using dried pasta, you'll need two pans. With a single hob, boil the pasta first, set it aside, and mix it into the sauce later. Alternatively, use fresh pasta for a one-pan option.

1. Boil your chosen pasta and green beans until cooked to your liking. Drain and set aside.

2. Chop the onion, mushrooms, and bacon (if using) into small pieces. In a large wok or deep frying pan, fry the onion, mushrooms, and bacon until fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and crumble in the stock cube, stirring to coat the mixture.

3. Stir in the crème fraîche, adding a small amount of water to thin it to your desired consistency. Add the grated parmesan and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Toss the pasta and green beans into the sauce, ensuring everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Campervan cooking tips

• One-Pan Hack: Fresh pasta cooks quickly, so you can make this dish in a single pan without having to cook the pasta first.

• Leftovers: We think this meal tastes best fresh but you can store any extras in an airtight container for an easy reheat meal the next day.

• Add Variety: Swap green beans for broccoli, peas, or spinach, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Simple, delicious, and perfect for the road—this creamy mushroom pasta will quickly become a vanlife staple!