This creamy mushroom pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty mushrooms, garlic, and a rich sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
I love how quickly this dish comes together. It feels fancy but is so easy to make—even on a busy night. Plus, who can resist those mushroomy flavors? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I use penne because its shape holds the sauce beautifully. If you prefer another pasta, feel free to swap it for fusilli, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms bring great flavor. If you want a richer taste, consider using shiitake or portobello mushrooms too!
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream creates a richness, you can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream like cashew cream for a lighter or vegan option.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative. For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast.
How Do I Sauté Mushrooms Without Making Them Soggy?
Sautéing mushrooms correctly is key for a flavorful dish. To avoid sogginess, start with a hot pan and ensure you don’t overcrowd the mushrooms. Follow these steps for perfect sautéed mushrooms:
- Heat the skillet before adding oil; it should shimmer, but not smoke.
- Add mushrooms in a single layer. If there are too many, cook them in batches.
- Let them brown before stirring. Avoid moving them too much to get a nice golden color.
Perfectly sautéed mushrooms add depth to your sauce, making the dish irresistible!
How to Make Mushroom Pasta With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’re Going to Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups sliced mushrooms (button or cremini work well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful mushroom pasta dish takes about 25 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients and about 15 minutes cooking the pasta and making the sauce. Perfect for dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside for now!
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 6-8 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Stir occasionally to give them an even browning.
3. Add Garlic:
Now, it’s time to add flavor! Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. Don’t let it burn!
4. Create the Sauce Base:
Lower the heat to medium, and pour in your choice of vegetable or chicken broth. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce a little bit.
5. Make It Creamy:
Stir in the butter and heavy cream to the mushroom mixture. Mix well to create a creamy sauce that coats everything beautifully.
6. Season and Thicken:
Add the fresh thyme, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens up.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the mushroom sauce. Gently mix to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to get your desired consistency.
8. Final Taste Test:
Give your dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—maybe it needs a pinch more salt or pepper!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your creamy mushroom pasta is now ready to be plated! Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a bit more Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms or even add some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a fun twist. Happy cooking!
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream in This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the creaminess and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens up.
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding onto the sauce, you can use any pasta you like—fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free varieties work well in this dish.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions to enhance both flavor and nutrition. Just add them when cooking the mushrooms for better incorporation.
