Description
This creamy garlic mushroom pasta is a quick and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring sautéed cremini mushrooms and fresh garlic in a luscious heavy cream sauce, combined with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, this recipe delivers rich, savory flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 oz Pasta (Fettuccine or Spaghetti)
- Salt, to taste
For the Sauce
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves, freshly minced
- 12 oz Cremini or Button Mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley or Thyme, chopped
- Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about one cup of pasta water to use for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter until melted. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Add the minced garlic in the last minute and sauté until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat each strand evenly with the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts and blends smoothly into the sauce. Finally, mix in the chopped fresh parsley or thyme to add a touch of freshness and color before serving.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and add it late to avoid bitterness.
- Cremini mushrooms provide a richer flavor but button mushrooms work well too.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
