Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta

If you’re craving a comforting, rich pasta dish, this Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta is the answer. With a velvety sauce made from earthy mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream, this dish is the epitome of indulgence. The combination of garlic, rosemary, and thyme infuses the sauce with deep, aromatic flavors, while the addition of lemon juice and zest gives it a refreshing lift. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort. Whether served with a sprinkle of parmesan or a handful of kalamata olives, this pasta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

The creamy texture of the sauce combined with the umami-rich mushrooms and the fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering dish that’s satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be on the table in just 30 minutes! Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful

The creamy sauce is packed with savory mushrooms and fresh herbs, creating a deep, flavorful dish that is comforting and satisfying.

2. Quick and Easy

This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.

3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes, whether that means adding olives, more herbs, or even some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.

4. Impressive Presentation

The creamy sauce and earthy mushrooms create a beautiful, restaurant-worthy pasta dish that will impress your guests.

5. Perfect for Mushroom Lovers

If you love mushrooms, this is the ultimate dish. The mushrooms cook down beautifully and contribute both texture and rich umami flavor to the pasta.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Dried pasta (200 grams) or fresh pasta (300 grams)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
• Butter (1 tablespoon)
• Mushrooms (300 grams, sliced)
• Garlic (4 cloves, finely chopped)
• Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon, finely chopped)
• Fresh rosemary leaves (1 tablespoon, finely chopped)
• White wine (1/2 cup)
• Cream (3/4 cup)
• Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
• Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon) plus zest for serving
• Parmesan (50 grams, very finely grated)
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley (1/2 cup, finely chopped)
• Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, optional)
• Salt, to taste

Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, try adding grilled chicken, bacon, or shrimp.
• Change the Mushrooms: While cremini mushrooms are ideal, you can use any mushrooms you prefer, such as white button mushrooms, portobello, or shiitake.
• Vegan Option: Swap the butter and cream for plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream and vegan butter. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
• Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, you can use dried versions or substitute with other herbs like sage or oregano.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

In a pot of well-salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large fry pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and toss them in the butter and oil, then leave them alone to brown for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them once or twice during this time.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Lower the heat slightly, then add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute, but be careful not to let the garlic brown. Season with a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

Add the white wine to the pan and let it bubble for 3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan

Stir in the cream, ensuring the sauce is at a gentle simmer—not boiling. Move the mushrooms to one side of the pan and add the parmesan in 2-3 separate lots, stirring in between each addition until melted.

Step 6: Add Lemon Juice and Season

Add the lemon juice and black pepper, whisking quickly. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Be sure the sauce remains saucy, as the pasta will absorb some of it.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the creamy sauce and stir gently to combine. If the sauce needs loosening, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir in the chopped parsley and olives, if using.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the pasta topped with extra parmesan, lemon zest, and freshly cracked pepper.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Leave the Mushrooms Alone: Once you add the mushrooms to the pan, don’t stir them too often. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get a nice golden-brown color.
• Pasta Texture: Undercook the pasta by about a minute so it can absorb some of the creamy sauce while simmering.
• Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be quite saucy before adding the pasta, as the cream will thicken off the heat.
• Olive Flavor: If you use kalamata olives, rinse them well to remove the briny liquid that might overpower the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy mushroom pasta as a main dish with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. If you’d like to make it more substantial, consider adding grilled protein like chicken, steak, or shrimp.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you may need to add a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating.

Freezing

While creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze perfectly due to the cream, you can freeze this pasta for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove with a bit of extra cream or milk.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta gently over low heat, adding a little pasta water or cream if needed to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any pasta shape works well, but I recommend something like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni to hold the creamy sauce.

2. Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Absolutely! You can use white button mushrooms, portobellos, or any other variety of mushrooms you prefer.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it with the pasta later. Just add a bit of liquid to prevent it from thickening too much.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.

5. Can I substitute the white wine?

Yes, you can substitute white wine with vegetable broth or chicken broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?

Yes! You can add spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers for extra veggies in the sauce.

7. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Make sure the heat is low when adding the cream and cheese, and avoid boiling the sauce to prevent curdling.

8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but use half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh for the best flavor.

9. Can I freeze the creamy mushroom sauce?

The sauce can be frozen, but the cream may separate when reheated. To reheat, add a little extra cream or broth to bring it back together.

10. How can I make the pasta spicier?

For some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or toss in some chili oil for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a decadent and easy dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With a rich, creamy sauce, tender mushrooms, and the perfect balance of fresh herbs and lemon, this pasta is comforting and flavorful. Whether you serve it as a main dish or as part of a larger meal, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something creamy and delicious. Enjoy!

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