If you have a soft spot for hearty yet elegant comfort food, this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to meal. Imagine perfectly cooked linguine enveloped in a luscious sauce that’s rich, velvety, and bursting with the deep, earthy flavor of sautéed cremini mushrooms. Every bite delivers a harmony of garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan, making this dish both satisfying and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of simplicity and indulgence that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe so addictive. From the creamy dairy to the fresh herbs and fragrant spices, every component works together to elevate humble mushrooms into a star meal.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: The ideal pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully for every forkful.
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms: Also known as baby Bella, their rich, earthy flavor is the heart of this dish.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds luscious creaminess and helps brown the mushrooms perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity undertone while preventing the butter from burning.
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth that complements the mushrooms.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a hint of herbal brightness to cut through the richness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds just enough spice to round out the profile.
- ½ cup milk: Helps create the creamy base when combined with cornstarch.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a silky consistency that clings to the pasta.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Brings richness and an indulgent mouthfeel.
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Adds savory depth, with two-thirds incorporated in the sauce and the rest for garnish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (roughly chopped): Provides fresh, bright notes and a lovely pop of green color.
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): Used during cooking to infuse extra herbal aroma.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Finishes the dish with a fresh, vibrant appearance and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by boiling the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This ensures the noodles have a perfect bite and won’t become mushy once combined with the creamy sauce. Drain and set aside, but keep some pasta water handy in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook them gently, stirring often, until the mushrooms become tender and develop a beautiful brown color, about 15 minutes. This deep caramelization is where the magic happens, bringing out the rich, savory flavor that’s key to the dish.
Step 3: Season and Add Herbs
Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mushrooms and stir for about one minute, allowing the herb’s fragrance to meld with the garlic and mushroom mixture. Then season with salt and pepper, which will enhance and balance all the flavors already building in the pan.
Step 4: Create a Thickened Cream Base
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the ½ cup of milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the mushrooms with a silky texture. This step ensures your sauce has body and clings luxuriously to the pasta.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy whipping cream along with ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes velvety. Add the chopped parsley, red pepper flakes if using, and fresh thyme sprigs. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes before carefully removing the woody thyme sprigs from the pan.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss well to combine, ensuring each strand of pasta is fully coated with the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal consistency. Your creamy mushroom pasta is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For an irresistible finishing touch, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top along with a generous scattering of freshly chopped parsley. This adds a burst of color and a sharp, cheesy kick that perfectly complements the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This luscious pasta pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that won’t compete with its creamy flavors. Consider a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to bring freshness, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for some delightful crunch and earthiness. Garlic bread is also a classic companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by plating the pasta in shallow bowls, twirling the linguine into neat nests, and garnishing with fresh herbs and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. For a cozy dinner, serve family-style with the skillet on the table—nothing brings people together like sharing a luscious Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe straight from the pan!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover creamy mushroom pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but don’t worry, a little tweaking when reheating will bring it back to life.
Freezing
Because of the cream-based sauce, freezing this pasta is possible but not ideal for maintaining perfect texture. If you choose to freeze it, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta slowly over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and keep the flavors vibrant and fresh, just like when first made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are perfect for their flavor and texture, you can substitute with button mushrooms, shiitake, or a mix for varied taste and visual appeal.
Is it possible to make this pasta recipe vegan?
You can adapt the Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe by swapping butter for olive oil or vegan butter, using plant-based cream alternatives, and choosing vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Linguine is ideal because its flat shape holds the creamy sauce well, but fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne also work wonderfully.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly, but be careful not to add too much at once. For a thinner sauce, gradually add pasta water or milk until you get the desired consistency.
Can I prepare the mushroom sauce in advance?
Yes! You can make the mushroom sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, gently reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe a try because it has everything you want in a satisfying meal: rich flavors, comforting textures, and a straightforward approach that anyone can master. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but comes together without fuss, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself after a busy day.
Print
Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Mushroom Pasta recipe features linguine tossed in a rich and velvety sauce made from cremini mushrooms, butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan cheese, enhanced with fresh herbs and a hint of spice. Perfect as a comforting vegetarian main dish, it balances hearty flavors with a creamy texture, ready in just over half an hour.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Mushroom Sauce
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms (baby Bella), cleaned gently and sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (divided into ¾ cup and ¼ cup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (several, optional)
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine pasta according to the instructions on the box until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Mushroom Base: In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter along with the olive oil to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned to enhance their flavor.
- Add Dried Thyme: Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mushrooms and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to combine the flavors.
- Season: Season the mushroom mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the base is flavorful.
- Thicken Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the ½ cup of milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the mushrooms and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, ¾ cup of grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh sprigs of thyme. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low and continue stirring the sauce until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy. Remove the woody thyme sprigs once flavor is infused.
- Serve: Toss the cooked linguine with the creamy mushroom sauce or ladle the sauce over the pasta. Garnish with the remaining ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or use all heavy cream.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for a milder dish.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the linguine with gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh thyme and parsley add bright herbal notes, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
- Leftover sauce pairs well with other pasta shapes or as a topping for grilled chicken or vegetables.
