Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Creamy mushroom pasta is the perfect dish when you’re craving something rich, comforting, and full of flavor. This recipe combines the earthiness of mushrooms with a velvety, creamy sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The mushrooms are sautéed until golden and tender, creating a deep umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the silky cream sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add an aromatic touch, while a hint of lemon juice and zest brightens the dish. Parmesan cheese adds the perfect amount of richness, and a handful of kalamata olives introduces a savory depth. This pasta dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta, creating a mouthwatering bite with every forkful. It’s an ideal choice for mushroom lovers, offering a luxurious and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this creamy mushroom pasta will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy mushroom pasta is a celebration of flavors and textures, with perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and fresh herbs infuses the dish with deep, savory notes, while the cream and Parmesan create a velvety base. A splash of white wine enhances the richness and adds a subtle acidity that balances out the creaminess. The bright lemon juice and zest bring a burst of freshness that elevates the entire dish. This recipe is easy to make yet feels indulgent and gourmet, making it the ideal comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy night in or preparing a dinner for guests, this creamy mushroom pasta is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh pasta)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 300 grams mushrooms, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 3/4 cup cream
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus the zest for serving)
• 50 grams Parmesan, very finely grated
• 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup heaped kalamata olives (optional)
• Salt to taste

Variations

• Vegan Version: Swap out the cream for coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to replace the cheese.
• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon would make excellent additions to this dish for added protein.
• Use Different Mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms such as portobello, shiitake, or even a mix of wild mushrooms for a unique flavor.
• Add Spinach or Kale: For extra greens, add some spinach or kale to the pasta just before serving.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta in a pot of well-salted water. Make sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large fry pan, heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and toss them in the butter and oil. Leave them alone to brown for 5-7 minutes, turning them once or twice to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Turn the heat down slightly and add the chopped garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown. Season with a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Add Wine and Cream

Pour in the white wine and let it bubble for about 3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Add the cream and mix well. Be sure to keep the sauce at a gentle simmer, avoiding boiling.

Step 5: Add Parmesan

Move the mushrooms to one side of the pan and add the Parmesan in 2-3 separate batches. Stir the cheese into the sauce between additions, allowing it to melt into the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice and Pepper

Stir in the lemon juice and black pepper, whisking quickly to incorporate them into the sauce. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with the kalamata olives (if using). Let everything bubble together for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 8: Serve

Toss in the chopped parsley and give it a final stir. Transfer the creamy mushroom pasta to serving plates and top with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Mushrooms: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the mushrooms. This allows them to brown properly and develop their rich flavor. Don’t stir them too often—let them sit for a few minutes to get a golden sear.
• Pasta: Undercook your pasta by about a minute so it can continue to cook in the sauce. This ensures the pasta absorbs the creamy sauce and doesn’t become mushy.
• Sauce Consistency: Keep the sauce on the saucy side since the pasta will thicken it up. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it.
• Olives: If using olives, rinse them before adding to remove excess brine that could overpower the dish.
• Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese can be too dry and won’t melt as well.

How to Serve

This creamy mushroom pasta is perfect as a standalone dish or served with a side of garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or a poached egg on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy mushroom pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with cream may not freeze as well as others, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently in a pan. You may need to add a little extra cream or water to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating on high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately in advance and combine them when ready to serve.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, peas, or zucchini to the dish for more veggies.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.

6. What can I use instead of white wine?

You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as a substitute for white wine.

7. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried thyme and rosemary instead of fresh herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount indicated for fresh herbs.

8. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low and avoid bringing the sauce to a boil. Stir the cream in gently and allow it to simmer.

9. Can I freeze the leftovers?

You can freeze the pasta for up to 1 month, but the cream may separate upon thawing. Reheat gently and add extra cream if needed.

10. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer a little longer to reduce. You can also add a small amount of grated Parmesan to thicken it.

Conclusion

Best creamy mushroom pasta is a delicious, comforting dish that combines rich flavors and textures in every bite. With its creamy sauce, tender mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings for something indulgent yet simple to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy pasta is sure to impress your guests or your family. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or paired with your favorite protein, this pasta is the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints.

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