Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Few dishes are as satisfying as a warm bowl of creamy mushroom pasta. Combining earthy, flavorful mushrooms with a rich, velvety sauce, it perfectly clings to every strand of pasta.

Whether for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or treating yourself, this dish is quick yet luxurious enough to impress. From selecting ingredients to choosing kitchen tools, you’ll be ready to whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients For Creamy Mushroom Pasta

For the base recipe, you’ll need 12 oz of pasta, 2 cups of thinly sliced cremini or button mushrooms, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped small shallot, 2 tablespoons each of butter and olive oil, 1 cup of heavy cream, 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth, salt and pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme or parsley, 1/4 cup white wine, and 1 tablespoon flour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by prepping your ingredients. Clean and thinly slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic and chop the shallots, thyme, or parsley.

Cooking the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.

Drain and set aside the cooked pasta.

Sautéing the Mushrooms

In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned and tender. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning.

Remove and set the mushrooms aside.

In the same pan, add more butter if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and shallots, cooking them for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If using white wine, deglaze the pan now, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half.

Creating the Sauce

Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pan and let it simmer for a minute. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. For a thicker sauce, whisk in a tablespoon of flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Once the sauce has thickened, add the sautéed mushrooms back into the pan and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Serving and Garnishing

Finally, garnish your creamy mushroom pasta with fresh thyme or parsley, and more grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Perfect for all occasions, this dish is sure to please.

Choosing the Right Pasta and Mushrooms

Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works well, as does short pasta like penne or rigatoni. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used without compromising flavor.

Cremini, button, or baby bella mushrooms offer earthy flavors and meaty textures. For a gourmet touch, use wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster.

Making the Perfect Creamy Sauce

The cream in the sauce is balanced by savory mushrooms and the tanginess of Parmesan cheese. Adding a tablespoon of flour gives it more body if desired.

White wine adds depth to the sauce, but can be substituted with broth. Garlic, shallots, and thyme enhance the flavor.

The Best Kitchen Tools For Creamy Mushroom Pasta

A large skillet or sauté pan ensures mushrooms cook evenly. A deep pasta pot with a strainer is ideal for cooking and draining pasta.

Wooden spoons, garlic press, and box grater are also essential. Tongs are useful for tossing pasta in the sauce.

Healthier Alternatives

Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt mixed with milk for a creamy texture without the fat. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.

Reduce cheese, or use a reduced-fat variety. Add veggies like spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy mushroom pasta pairs well with a light, crisp salad or garlic bread. A glass of Chardonnay complements the creaminess of the dish.

Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.

FAQs

Yes, the dish can be made vegan by using vegan butter, coconut cream, and vegan cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a creamy mushroom pasta dish. Its rich, velvety sauce, savory mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta make it a staple.

Whether impressing guests or quickly whipping up a weeknight meal, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Grab your tools and try it—the taste will be worth it!