Creamy Comfort Mushroom Pasta
Welcome to your next favorite dinner! This creamy mushroom pasta is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. With a delightful combination of pasta, a velvety sauce, fresh herbs, and cheese, it’s a dish that guarantees both satisfaction and joy. Let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 hearty bowls of pasta
Ingredients
Pasta
8 ounces pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, tagliatelle, or linguine)
Mushrooms & Sauce
2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini, white button, or mixed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, letting it thicken.
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Season with dried thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each strand with the creamy mushroom sauce.
Cook together for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve warm, topped with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the mushrooms before adding cream.
Veggie Add-In: Stir in fresh spinach, peas, or sundried tomatoes during the last minute of cooking.
Protein Options: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon for a hearty twist.
Make It Vegan: Replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use vegan butter if needed, and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
Herb Options: Fresh thyme, oregano, or basil also pair wonderfully with mushroom pasta.
Perfectly Creamy Tip: Pasta water is your friend—use small amounts at a time to reach your ideal sauce consistency.