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Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta
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The Best Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a rich, velvety, and comforting vegetarian dish that combines fresh mushrooms with a luscious cream sauce. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients, this pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Its adaptable nature allows you to use your favorite pasta shapes and customize with proteins or vegan alternatives, producing a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients

  • Fresh mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button) – 12 oz (340g), sliced
  • Fresh garlic cloves – 3, minced
  • Fresh thyme or parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti) – 12 oz (340g)

Dairy and Fats

  • Heavy cream – 1 cup (240ml)
  • Parmesan cheese – 3/4 cup, freshly grated
  • Butter – 2 tbsp
  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Seasonings

  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Clean and evenly slice the mushrooms so they cook uniformly. Mince the garlic cloves and chop fresh thyme or parsley, setting them aside for later use.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
  3. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and their moisture has evaporated. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the cream to simmer gently until it begins to thicken. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and silky. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the creamy mushroom sauce. Toss gently to evenly coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
  6. Final Touches: Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs (thyme or parsley) over the pasta and give everything a final gentle toss. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh mushrooms rather than canned for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a golden sear.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh to ensure smooth melting and vibrant taste.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain the perfect bite when combined with the creamy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy mushroom pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy mushroom recipe, creamy pasta sauce, mushroom pasta dinner, mushroom pasta recipe

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/best-creamy-mushroom-pasta/