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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 savory dish that balances the earthiness of fresh mushrooms with a silky cream sauce. Easy and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. This comforting vegetarian pasta features layers of flavor from garlic, onions, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, creating a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Mushrooms & Vegetables

  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, or mixed), cleaned and sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach, kale, or peas (for variation)

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or preferred long pasta

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for sautéing)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Clean and slice the mushrooms evenly for uniform cooking. Finely chop the garlic and onions or shallots to create a fragrant base for the sauce.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, to help adjust the sauce consistency.
  3. Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat butter or olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy at the edges, stirring occasionally to promote even cooking.
  4. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped garlic and onions or shallots to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, building the flavor foundation for the sauce.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the creamy mushroom sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the noodles.
  7. Season and Garnish: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Use a variety of mushrooms to add texture and complexity to the flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
  • Reserve pasta water to emulsify and smooth the sauce.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melting and richer flavor.
  • Add cream gradually and simmer gently to prevent curdling.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their vibrant flavor.
  • Dairy-free versions can be made using coconut milk or cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
  • For added protein, include grilled chicken, bacon, or tofu.
  • Try adding a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or chili oil, or toss in green vegetables like spinach or peas for color and nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy mushroom pasta, easy mushroom pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, mushroom fettuccine, quick pasta dinner, comfort food pasta

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