Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta

If you’re a fan of rich, flavorful pasta dishes, this Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta is one to add to your recipe collection. With earthy mushrooms, fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and a luxurious creamy sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together effortlessly. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish strikes the balance between indulgent and satisfying. The addition of Parmesan, white wine, and a touch of lemon makes this dish uniquely delicious and bursting with depth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Flavorful Sauce

The creamy mushroom sauce is packed with flavor from fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, making each bite a delightful experience.

2. Easy to Make

This dish comes together quickly with minimal ingredients, making it the perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests.

3. Customizable

You can swap out the mushrooms, adjust the herbs, or even add in some protein, like chicken or shrimp, to suit your tastes.

4. Perfectly Balanced

The combination of the creamy sauce, earthy mushrooms, bright lemon juice, and a splash of white wine creates a harmonious and balanced flavor profile that’s irresistible.

5. Comfort Food with a Twist

This is the kind of dish that feels like comfort food but has a touch of sophistication, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh)

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 300 grams mushrooms, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 3/4 cup cream
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus zest for serving)
• 50 grams Parmesan, very finely grated
• 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Variations

• Mushroom Options: Feel free to use different types of mushrooms like portobello or white button mushrooms. Cremini mushrooms are ideal for this recipe but choose what you enjoy!
• Protein Add-ins: You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for a heartier version of the dish.
• Herb Variations: Try substituting rosemary with sage or tarragon for a different herbal twist.
• Olives: If you love the briny punch of Kalamata olives, they add a delicious layer to the dish. Rinse them beforehand to remove excess brine.
• Non-Dairy Option: For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Get your pasta cooking in a pot of well-salted water. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, which will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and toss them in the butter and oil. Leave the mushrooms to brown for 5-7 minutes, turning once or twice to ensure even browning.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Once the mushrooms have browned, turn the heat down slightly. Add the finely chopped garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan and cook for 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can make it bitter. Season with a good pinch of salt.

Step 4: Add the Wine and Cream

Pour in the white wine and let it bubble for 3 minutes or until it’s slightly reduced. Then, add the cream and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan

Move the mushrooms to one side of the pan and add the Parmesan cheese in 2-3 batches. Stir well between each addition to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk it in quickly to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 7: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and stir to coat. If using olives, add them at this stage. Let the pasta bubble gently for 1 minute.

Step 8: Adjust the Sauce and Serve

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley and serve the pasta immediately. Top with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, and freshly cracked pepper.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing the mushrooms, give them space in the pan to allow them to brown properly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
• Creamy Texture: The sauce may seem a bit saucy at first, but the cream will thicken off the heat. Make sure the sauce remains fairly loose before adding the pasta.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Under-cook your pasta by 1 minute to ensure it soaks up the creamy sauce and doesn’t become mushy.
• Add a Splash of Pasta Water: If the sauce thickens too much, adding reserved pasta water will help bring it to the desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy mushroom pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. The rich flavors make it a perfect standalone dish, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy mushroom pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the cream in the sauce, but you can freeze the sauce separately (without the pasta) for up to 1 month. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan, adding a little pasta water or cream to bring back its creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use any kind of pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, though wide pasta or fettuccine works particularly well with the creamy sauce.

2. Can I make this recipe without white wine?

If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.

3. Can I use pre-sliced mushrooms?

Yes, you can use pre-sliced mushrooms to save time, but slicing them yourself gives you more control over the size of the pieces.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, use a non-dairy cream alternative and a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute. You can also skip the butter and use olive oil instead.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or a diced chili to the garlic and herbs in the beginning.

6. Can I add protein to this pasta?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon would be a great addition to make this a heartier meal.

7. How can I make this pasta gluten-free?

Simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set!

8. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Make sure to keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and don’t let it boil after adding the cream. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth.

9. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried thyme and rosemary instead of fresh, but reduce the quantity by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.

10. How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?

To avoid overcooking the pasta, test it one minute before the package directions suggest, and then continue cooking it in the sauce to finish it off.

Conclusion

Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta is the perfect combination of rich, creamy sauce and earthy mushrooms, with a tangy lemon kick to balance the flavors. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this pasta will surely impress!

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