Description
This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta pairs earthy mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs in a silky cream sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a versatile dinner that can be rich and creamy, light and herby, or tailored for a Mediterranean diet — perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, lemon zest
Tools:
- Large pot for pasta
- Deep skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the mushrooms: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in garlic, cook 30 seconds, then add parsley and chives.
- Create the sauce: Pour in heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and stir in Parmesan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss pasta in the skillet with sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Lighter version: Swap cream for pasta water and olive oil for a garlic noodles variation.
- Minimalist option: Skip cream and use olive oil, garlic, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Herb twist: Add thyme, oregano, or rosemary for Mediterranean depth.
- Diet-friendly: Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta, add greens like spinach or arugula.
- Pairings: Serve with salad, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread.
- Tips: Brown mushrooms without overcrowding, avoid burning garlic, and don’t overdo the cream.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk or pasta water. Not freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Garlic Mushroom Pasta, Creamy pasta with mushrooms, Mediterranean diet pasta, Garlic noodles with mushrooms, Easy mushroom recipes pasta