Description
This Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for cozy dinners. Featuring tender sautéed mushrooms infused with garlic and herbs, tossed with al dente pasta in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, it delivers rich flavors with simple ingredients. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal, it can be easily adapted to suit vegan or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce & Vegetables
- 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and unsalted butter until melted and shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the dry white wine or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with plant-based cream and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add sautéed spinach, peas, or other vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Use vegetable broth instead of white wine for an alcohol-free dish.
