Description
This Garlic Mushroom Pasta recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Sautéed mushrooms and garlic are combined with a rich heavy cream sauce, tossed with al dente pasta, and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a comforting and delicious Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves, freshly minced
- 12 oz Cremini or Button Mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley or Thyme, chopped
Pantry and Dairy
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz Pasta (Fettuccine or Spaghetti)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining to use later for adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and turn golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic in the last minutes and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with mushrooms and garlic. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat each strand with the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Mix in the chopped fresh parsley or thyme for freshness and color before serving.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky texture.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.
- Be careful not to burn garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Cremini mushrooms give a deeper flavor, but button mushrooms work too.
- Optional: add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
