Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta

This creamy garlic mushroom pasta is a rich, savory, and incredibly comforting dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Servings: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 35 minutes Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 350 g (12 oz) linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

• Salt, to taste

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

• 450 g (1 lb) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced

• 6-8 cloves (~25-30 g) garlic, minced

• 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream (double cream)

• 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

• 120 ml (½ cup) reserved pasta water (or more, as needed)

• ¼ cup (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped

• ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

• Salt, to taste

Equipment

• Large pot for pasta

• Large skillet or frying pan

• Colander

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Garlic press or knife for mincing

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta (5 minutes prep, 10-12 minutes cook): Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water (this helps prevent the pasta from sticking). Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 240 ml (1 cup) of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms (8-10 minutes): While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and spread them in a single layer. Cook, without stirring much, for 3-5 minutes until they start to brown. Then stir and continue cooking until they are tender and deeply golden, about 5-7 more minutes.

3. Add Garlic and Cream (5 minutes): Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.

4. Combine and Finish (2-3 minutes): Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and black pepper. Add ½ cup (120 ml) of the reserved pasta water, stirring well to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

5. Serve: Divide the creamy garlic mushroom pasta among plates. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

• Brown Your Mushrooms: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking mushrooms. Cook them in batches if necessary, or ensure they have enough space to brown properly. This develops a deeper, richer flavor.

• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is key! It helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky smooth and ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta.

• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce. Don't skip it!

• Vegan Version: Replace heavy cream with a plant-based cream (like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream) and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. Use olive oil instead of butter.

• Add Protein: Sauté cooked chicken breast strips, shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage with the mushrooms for a heartier meal.

• Boost Veggies: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking, or add sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) along with the cream for extra flavor and color.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 620 kcal

• Protein: 20 g

• Carbohydrates: 60 g

• Fat: 35 g

Shopping List

• Linguine (or similar pasta)

• Cremini or button mushrooms

• Garlic

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley

• Olive oil

• Unsalted butter

• Salt

• Black pepper

Allergen Tags

Contains: gluten, dairy

Quick summary: Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta – a rich, savory, and comforting dish ready in 35 minutes.