Creamy mushroom pasta is such a comforting and rich dish! Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for you to try. You can use any pasta you like—fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work great.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz mushrooms (button, cremini, or a mix), sliced
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional, but adds great depth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if you have it)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but gives a lovely depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
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Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
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Deglaze and Make the Sauce:
- If using white wine, pour it into the skillet now. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add Parmesan and Seasonings:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and thyme, and if using, the nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. You can also add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth if the sauce is too thick.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water (a little at a time) until you reach your desired consistency.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is coated in the creamy mushroom sauce. If it needs a bit more creaminess, add a little more pasta water to loosen it up.
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Serve:
- Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Mushroom Variety: Use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
- For Extra Richness: Add a splash of truffle oil for an earthy, luxurious flavor.
- Make it Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk if you prefer a lighter sauce.
This pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread. Do you have a favorite type of mushroom to use, or any other ingredient you’d like to add?