This mushroom pasta is a simple and tasty dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. You get creamy sauce and soft mushrooms mixed with your favorite pasta for a warm hug in a bowl!
Cooking this dish always makes me smile. I love how quickly it comes together. Plus, it’s guilt-free to have seconds—who can resist that creamy goodness? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used fettuccine for its wide surface to hold the sauce. You can substitute with tagliatelle, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure to check cooking times on the package!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms bring a deeper flavor, but button mushrooms work well too. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a different taste. Just make sure they’re fresh!
White Wine: This adds a lovely depth, but if you’d like to skip it, substitute with vegetable broth or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. I’ve made it without wine and it still tastes great!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream. Just keep in mind that it might change the richness of the sauce.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Mushrooms?
Sautéing mushrooms correctly is key for a delicious sauce. You want them to brown and caramelize slightly to add extra flavor. Here’s how:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the mushrooms.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook them in batches if necessary.
- Let them sit without stirring for a bit to develop a nice golden color.
This process helps release their natural flavors and moisture, creating that delicious, savory base for your sauce!
Mushroom Pasta with Creamy Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 12 oz (340 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion or shallots
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious mushroom pasta comes together in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pasta, while the sauce cooks up in about 15-20 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your fettuccine or tagliatelle and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sautéing the Mushrooms:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until they start to brown and release their juices, around 6-8 minutes. You want them to be nicely caramelized!
3. Adding Garlic and Onion:
Next, add the minced garlic and chopped onion (or shallots) to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will make your kitchen smell amazing as the garlic and onion become fragrant and the onion turns translucent!
4. Incorporating Wine (Optional):
If you’re using white wine, now is the time to pour it into the skillet. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it’s mostly evaporated. This step adds depth to the sauce, but feel free to skip it if you prefer not to use wine.
5. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stirring occasionally will help everything combine beautifully!
6. Finishing the Sauce:
Now, pour in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—make it as seasoned as you like!
7. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat it in the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Serving:
Plate the pasta and garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy every delicious bite of your creamy mushroom pasta!
Bon appétit! This rich and satisfying dish is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or tagliatelle works great, feel free to substitute with penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half is a great substitution. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or almond milk, but keep in mind the flavors may change slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Yes! Feel free to add spinach, peas, or even chicken for more protein. Just sauté them with the mushrooms or cook them separately to your desired level before combining with the sauce.
