Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This creamy mushroom pasta is a decadent, savory dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. With tender mushrooms, rich garlic flavors, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s a comforting plate of pasta that can be prepared in just under 20 minutes. The buttery sauce coats the pasta beautifully, making it a delicious choice for pasta lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with a velvety cream sauce and the sharpness of Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious, comforting meal. The best part is that it’s super quick and easy to make, yet it tastes like a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a date, or a small family dinner, this creamy mushroom pasta is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 160g/6oz fettuccine or linguine

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter

• 1/2 tbsp olive oil

• 300g/10oz mushrooms, sliced 1/3 cm (1/8″) thick (white, cremini, or Swiss brown)

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup (125ml) chicken broth/stock (low sodium, or vegetable broth as a substitute)

• 3/4 cup (185ml) heavy cream (or thickened cream)

• 1/3 cup (30g) finely grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving:

• Extra Parmesan for serving

• Chopped parsley (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

Cook the fettuccine or linguine in salted water for 1 minute less than the package directions. Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms:

In a large skillet, melt butter and heat olive oil over high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring regularly. Once they start to sweat, season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has dissolved and the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

5. Serve:

Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley (optional) before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2 servings

• Prep Time: 8 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to this pasta for added protein.

• Vegan Version: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese for a vegan version.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

• Extra Veggies: You can add spinach, peas, or asparagus to the pasta for extra veggies and color.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute any type of pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni, if you prefer a different shape.

Can I use a different kind of mushroom?

Yes, you can use any variety of mushrooms, like shiitake, portobello, or button mushrooms, depending on what you have available.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This pasta is best served immediately, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta just before serving.

How can I make the sauce richer?

For a richer sauce, you can add a bit of mascarpone or cream cheese along with the heavy cream to make the sauce extra creamy.

Can I make this dish without the Parmesan cheese?

While Parmesan adds a lot of flavor, you can substitute it with another cheese like Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Conclusion

This creamy mushroom pasta is the perfect dish for a quick and satisfying dinner. With tender mushrooms, a rich creamy sauce, and a touch of Parmesan, it’s a flavorful and comforting meal you can whip up in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re enjoying it as a simple weeknight dinner or serving it for guests, this pasta is sure to be a hit!

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