Name: Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 160g (6 oz) fettuccine or linguine; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter; 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 300g (10 oz) mushrooms, sliced 1/8″ thick (white or cremini); 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 3/4 cup (185ml) heavy cream; 1/3 cup (30g) finely grated parmesan; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; Extra parmesan for serving; Chopped parsley (optional, for serving)

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Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a rich, satisfying dish that brings together golden, garlicky mushrooms with a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special meal without the fuss, this recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal ingredients. The silky sauce clings beautifully to long strands of pasta, making every bite indulgent and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is all about balance—earthy mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and a velvety cream sauce made richer with parmesan. It’s quick to make yet elegant enough to serve for a dinner party. Whether you’re a meatless meal lover or just craving a warm, satisfying bowl of pasta, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

160g (6 oz) fettuccine or linguine
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
1/2 tbsp olive oil
300g (10 oz) mushrooms, sliced 1/8″ thick (white or cremini)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
3/4 cup (185ml) heavy cream
1/3 cup (30g) finely grated parmesan
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

For Serving:

Extra parmesan
Chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over high heat.
Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring often. Once they begin to release moisture, season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Continue cooking until mushrooms are golden, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant and mushrooms are nicely browned.
Pour in the broth. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Add heavy cream, parmesan, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss for 1–2 minutes to let the sauce thicken and coat the noodles. Use reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce as needed.
Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 510 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, cream, and parmesan, and swap the pasta for egg-free noodles.
Add Protein: Include cooked chicken or tofu for a heartier version.
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
Truffle Touch: Drizzle with truffle oil just before serving for a gourmet upgrade.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving too long, as it may break the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes, cremini, white button, or even a mix of wild mushrooms work well. Each variety adds its own unique flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape for this sauce?

Long noodles like fettuccine or linguine are ideal, but it also works well with short shapes like penne or rigatoni.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the mushrooms and sauce components in advance and combine with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, if you use vegetable broth and vegetarian-friendly parmesan.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be less rich and may not thicken as well.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce as needed while tossing the pasta.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and parmesan are also gluten-free.

Can I add herbs?

Absolutely. Fresh thyme or rosemary complements the mushrooms beautifully.

Is it okay to use pre-grated parmesan?

Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce, but pre-grated can work in a pinch.

How do I get golden mushrooms without steaming them?

Use a large skillet and cook the mushrooms in a single layer over high heat without overcrowding, so they sear rather than steam.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a quick, luxurious meal that proves comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in 20 minutes. Perfectly creamy, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Emma