Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Mushroom Pasta is the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet effortless, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners. The earthy flavor of mushrooms paired with a smooth, velvety cream sauce creates a satisfying meal that does not rely on heavy ingredients or complicated steps. I often make this pasta when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen, and it never fails to impress. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. This recipe is also wonderfully versatile, working well as a vegetarian main or as a base for added protein. If you enjoy simple recipes that deliver rich taste and elegant results, this Creamy Mushroom Pasta deserves a place in your regular rotation.
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Creamy Mushroom Pasta That Is Rich, Comforting, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish made with tender mushrooms tossed in a rich, creamy garlic sauce and finished with parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 250 g mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden and softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and seasoning, stirring well.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for best flavor.
- Add pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta
Short or long pasta shapes both work well, as they hold the creamy sauce effectively.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are the star of the dish, providing a deep, earthy flavor and meaty texture.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the mushrooms and enhances their natural flavor.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce.
Garlic
Garlic brings warmth and aromatic depth to the dish.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, giving it a luxurious, silky texture.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds saltiness and umami, balancing the creaminess.
Salt
Salt enhances the flavors of both the pasta and the sauce.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds subtle heat and complexity.
Italian seasoning
This blend adds gentle herbal notes that complement the mushrooms.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and a pop of color just before serving.
Directions
Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms in a single layer and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of approximately 25 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Mushroom Pasta is easy to customize based on your preferences. You can add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor. For added protein, grilled chicken or shrimp pair beautifully with the creamy mushroom sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. A splash of white wine added while sautéing the mushrooms brings extra depth to the sauce. These variations allow you to adapt the recipe while keeping its comforting character intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is rich and satisfying, containing dairy and gluten. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta may be used to suit dietary needs.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Crowd the Mushrooms
Cooking mushrooms in a single layer ensures proper browning.
Salt the Pasta Water Well
Well-seasoned pasta enhances the entire dish.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Fresh Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.
Finish with Pasta Water
Pasta water helps create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
FAQs
What mushrooms work best?
Button, cremini, or a mix of mushrooms work very well.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
Can I add garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended, but garlic powder can be used if needed.
How do I keep the sauce from breaking?
Simmer gently and avoid high heat once cream is added.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner.
What pasta shape is best?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are excellent choices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.
Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?
Yes, pecorino or grana padano work well.
How do I boost mushroom flavor?
Allow mushrooms to brown fully before adding liquid.
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that proves simple ingredients can create exceptional results. With its rich sauce and earthy mushrooms, it is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. This recipe is easy to customize and sure to become a favorite at your table.
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