Mushroom Cream Sauce Pasta

Mushroom Cream Sauce Pasta is a rich, velvety dish that’s packed with umami flavor from sautéed mushrooms and a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. This easy, one-pan recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests. Whether you serve it on its own or with grilled chicken or shrimp, this pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy – The silky sauce coats the pasta beautifully for a luxurious bite.
• Full of Flavor – Earthy mushrooms, garlic, and parmesan make this dish irresistible.
• One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients.
• Customizable – Easily add protein, veggies, or a spice kick.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Elegant enough for a dinner party yet quick enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

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

• Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
• Mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake, sliced)
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Garlic (minced)
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

5. Pour in the broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
7. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine Everything

8. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
9. Let it simmer for a minute to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

10. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
• Protein Additions – Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
• Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Extra Veggies – Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk or add a bit of cornstarch to thicken.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well because they hold the sauce beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Add a little pasta water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead and store it separately from the pasta.

What mushrooms work best?

Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms offer the best texture and flavor.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Try Gruyère, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano for a unique twist.

How can I make this extra creamy?

Add a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce.

Can I add white wine?

Yes! Deglaze the mushrooms with ¼ cup of white wine before adding the broth for extra depth.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

Mushroom Cream Sauce Pasta is an easy, restaurant-quality dish that you can make at home in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or something impressive for guests, this creamy, garlicky pasta is a must-try. Serve it fresh and enjoy every bite!

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