This creamy mushroom pasta tosses ribbons of pasta in a rich sauce of golden sautéed mushrooms, garlic, thyme, cream, and parmesan. It is earthy, comforting, and ready in about 25 minutes. Mushrooms also add more than flavor. According to the Mushroom Council, they are one of the only natural sources of vitamin D in the produce aisle, because they convert ultraviolet light into vitamin D (Mushroom Council).
Key Takeaways
- Browning the mushrooms in batches gives them deep, savory flavor.
- A mix of mushrooms adds more complexity than one variety.
- The dish is vegetarian and ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You Will Love Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Rich and savory: Indeed, browned mushrooms give a meaty, umami depth.
- Quick: Moreover, it is on the table in about 25 minutes.
- Vegetarian: Similarly, it satisfies even meat lovers.
- Flexible: For example, add spinach, chicken, or peas.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta Ingredients
- Mushrooms: Ideally, use a mix of cremini, shiitake, and oyster.
- Pasta: In particular, tagliatelle, fettuccine, or pappardelle work best.
- Garlic, shallot, and thyme: Together, they build the aromatic base.
- Cream and parmesan: In addition, they make the sauce silky.
- Butter and olive oil: Finally, they help the mushrooms brown.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post. Here, in short, are the steps.
1. Brown the mushrooms. First, cook the mushrooms in butter and oil over medium-high heat, in batches, until deeply golden.
2. Add aromatics. Next, add the shallot, garlic, and thyme and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Make the sauce. Then pour in the cream and simmer for 3 minutes. After that, stir in the parmesan.
4. Toss. Finally, add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss until glossy and serve with extra parmesan.
Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Do not crowd the pan. Otherwise, the mushrooms steam instead of browning.
- Salt at the end. In fact, salting too early draws out water.
- Use pasta water. Similarly, it loosens the sauce without thinning the flavor.
- Add lemon. For brightness, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make creamy mushroom pasta without cream?
Yes. Instead, use crème fraîche, mascarpone, or a mix of milk and extra parmesan.
Which mushrooms are best?
Cremini are affordable and flavorful. However, adding shiitake or oyster mushrooms makes it even richer.
Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely. Simply use olive oil, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, creamy mushroom pasta is a cozy, elegant dinner made with simple ingredients. It is perfect for a quiet night in.
For more mushroom recipes, try our cheesy stuffed mushrooms, or pair this with our chicken alfredo pasta for a pasta night.
AuthorEmma food bloggerDifficultyBeginnerTagliatelle tossed with deeply browned mushrooms, shallot, garlic, thyme, cream, and parmesan. Serves 4.
Mushrooms
Sauce and Pasta
Cook the pasta. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Brown the mushrooms. Heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Cook the mushrooms in batches without stirring too often until deeply golden.
Add aromatics. Add the shallot, garlic, and thyme and cook 2 minutes.
Make the sauce. Pour in the cream and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and salt.
Toss. Add the pasta and a splash of pasta water and toss until glossy. Finish with lemon juice and extra parmesan.
4 servings
1 plate
- Amount per serving
- Calories635
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g39%
- Saturated Fat 17g85%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 775mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 70g26%
- Dietary Fiber 4g15%
- Total Sugars 5g
- Protein 22g
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
Mushrooms
Sauce and Pasta
Sources
- Mushroom Council, Mushrooms: A Vitamin D Powerhouse in the Produce Aisle
