Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a luscious, comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, savory mushroom sauce. This recipe highlights earthy mushrooms sautéed with garlic, onions, and herbs, all brought together with cream and Parmesan cheese for a silky, indulgent sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a vegetarian-friendly option that feels hearty and satisfying. The aroma of sautéed mushrooms and garlic fills the kitchen, making it a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s rich, flavorful, and comes together quickly. The earthy mushrooms pair beautifully with the creamy sauce, and the pasta soaks up every bit of flavor. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made easily at home, and it satisfies cravings for something indulgent without being overly complicated.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Creamy, comforting, and full of umami flavor
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
- Vegetarian-friendly and versatile
- Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or dinner parties
- Delicious both fresh and as leftovers
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~520 calories per serving (approx.)
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian / Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- Salt, for pasta water
For the Mushroom Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz (340 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or mixed)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Cooking Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté 6–8 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and brown slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, cooking 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss cooked pasta with mushroom sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta to al dente; drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter; cook onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add mushrooms and seasonings; sauté until browned.
- Make Cream Sauce: Add cream and Parmesan; stir until smooth and thickened.
- Combine with Pasta: Toss pasta with sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve Creamy Mushroom Pasta hot as a main course. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Recipe Tips
- Use a mix of mushrooms for deeper flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook mushrooms in batches if needed
- Reserve pasta water—it helps adjust sauce consistency
- Grate Parmesan fresh for best flavor
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
Variations (Detailed)
- Garlic and Herb Mushroom Pasta: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage
- Spicy Mushroom Pasta: Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Vegan Version: Substitute cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegan Parmesan
- Mushroom and Spinach Pasta: Add fresh spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and color
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended; cream sauces can separate when frozen
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan for mushroom sauce
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cheese grater
- Knife and cutting board
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a comforting, flavorful, and quick-to-make dish that feels indulgent while remaining approachable. Earthy mushrooms, creamy sauce, and tender pasta come together in a meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. With its versatility and rich flavor, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves satisfying, restaurant-quality pasta at home.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a luscious, comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, savory mushroom sauce. This recipe highlights earthy mushrooms sautéed with garlic, onions, and herbs, all brought together with cream and Parmesan cheese for a silky, indulgent sauce.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
For the Mushroom Sauce
Instructions
-
Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
-
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
-
Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté 6–8 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and brown slightly.
-
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, cooking 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
-
Toss cooked pasta with mushroom sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
