This mushroom pasta is creamy and comforting, perfect for a cozy meal. With tender mushrooms and a rich sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
You can whip this up in no time! I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving—just adds that extra yum! What’s your favorite pasta topping?
Making this dish is easy, just cook the pasta, sauté the mushrooms, and mix it all together. It’s a tasty way to enjoy dinner without hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using penne for this recipe because its shape holds the sauce well. If you have gluten-free needs, you can substitute with gluten-free pasta or use spaghetti for a different texture!
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms work great here, but you can try shiitake or portobello for a deeper flavor. Just slice them up as you would the buttons!
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a cashew cream in place of heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but you can use Pecorino Romano for a bolder taste. Nutritional yeast is a good vegan option and adds a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Creamy and Perfectly Coats the Pasta?
The key to a smooth, creamy sauce is careful attention to the cooking process. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure to sauté the mushrooms until they’re well browned for added flavor.
- After adding cream, let it simmer gently, stirring often. This helps to thicken the sauce without burning it.
- If your sauce seems too thick when you combine it with pasta, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Don’t rush this step—let the flavors meld together, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy sauce! Enjoy your cooking!
Mushroom Pasta With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (or any short pasta)
For the Mushroom Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz (340g) whole button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for slight heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious mushroom pasta will take about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 10-12 minutes cooking the pasta and another 15-20 minutes making the sauce and combining everything. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, but make sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
2. Sautéing the Mushrooms:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté them for about 6-8 minutes, or until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Adding Garlic and Seasoning:
Once the mushrooms are nicely browned, toss in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter in taste.
4. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to cook and thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes. Taste the sauce and season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to add some heat if you like.
5. Combining the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce, gently tossing everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency, making sure each piece of pasta is well-coated.
6. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and some extra Parmesan cheese on top for garnish. This adds a lovely fresh flavor and a pop of color!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the mushroom pasta warm, diving into the rich, garlicky flavors in each bite. It’s the perfect, cozy dish for any day of the week!
This creamy mushroom pasta is not only comforting but also a quick meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or even long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To keep it vegetarian, just ensure your Parmesan cheese is rennet-free. For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can also swap the butter for a plant-based alternative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, add a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Pasta?
Definitely! Feel free to add more sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. You can incorporate them alongside the mushrooms during the sautéing step.
