Description
This Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. Combining tender sautéed mushrooms with garlic, fresh herbs, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, it offers comforting Italian flavors with minimal effort. Ideal for weeknight meals, it satisfies vegetarian cravings with rich, hearty textures and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce and Mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release aromatic flavor.
- Cook mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms along with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the skillet. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Deglaze pan: Pour in the white wine or vegetable broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add cream and cheese: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a vegan variation, use plant-based cream and substitute Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Add sautéed spinach or peas for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used to suit dietary needs.
