If you’ve been searching for that perfect comfort dish to cozy up with, look no further than this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe. It brings together tender linguine enveloped in a luscious sauce bursting with earthy cremini mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a rich blend of cream and parmesan. Each bite is a harmonious dance of flavors and textures that feels indulgent yet approachable—a true weeknight win or a special occasion treat you’ll want to share with everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward and thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and creaminess. Each component plays a key role, from the silky pasta to the butter that brings out the mushrooms’ depth, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: Provides the perfect long, thin noodles to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms (baby Bella): These mushrooms add an earthy, meaty texture and deep flavor; clean gently to keep them fresh.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Offers richness and helps caramelize the mushrooms beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity undertone and prevents the butter from burning.
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbaceous warmth that pairs perfectly with mushrooms.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Provides a gentle background heat.
- ½ cup milk: Balances creaminess and lightness in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a silky consistency.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: The star ingredient for that luscious, decadent texture.
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (divided): Adds a nutty, salty richness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (roughly chopped): Brings freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little bit of heat enhancing the flavor profile.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): Used for additional aromatics and a nice herb garnish.
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish): Adds brightness and a welcoming visual finish.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by boiling your linguine pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still with a bit of bite. This ensures the pasta will hold up nicely without becoming mushy once combined with the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
In a large cast-iron skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil. This combination prevents burning while giving you the best flavor. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking for about 15 minutes until the mushrooms become tender and develop a beautiful golden brown color. This step is crucial because it deepens the flavor and brings out the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Step 3: Add Thyme and Seasonings
Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mushrooms, stirring for about a minute. Then season the mixture with salt and pepper. This layering of herbs and seasoning adds depth to your sauce’s flavor foundation.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Combine the cornstarch with the ½ cup of milk until smooth, then pour this mixture into the skillet with your mushrooms. Stir constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. This step is where the magic starts to happen—the sauce becomes creamy enough to coat every pasta strand flawlessly.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Herbs
Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy whipping cream, ¾ cup of grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes if you like a little kick, and fresh thyme sprigs for extra fragrance. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts into a luscious, smooth sauce. Finally, remove the woody thyme sprigs before serving.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your linguine and toss it right into the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce, making sure every noodle is well coated and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing this dish with freshly chopped parsley and the reserved ¼ cup of parmesan cheese adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. The green from the parsley offers eye-catching color and a hint of bright herbal flavor that elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette, balancing the richness with refreshing acidity. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are perfect companions to soak up any leftover sauce, making your meal feel complete and utterly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party touch, serve this pasta in shallow wide bowls garnished with additional red pepper flakes for color pop, thyme sprigs for aroma, and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top. You could even add sautéed mushrooms on top as an elegant finishing touch that screams comfort and sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover creamy mushroom pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the sauce might thicken further, so stirring in a splash of milk or cream when reheating helps bring back its silky texture.
Freezing
While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the pasta and sauce separately if possible. Freeze in freezer-safe containers and use within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a small amount of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms add a lovely richness, feel free to experiment with shiitake, portobello, or a mix of wild mushrooms for different flavor nuances.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, use plant-based cream alternatives like coconut or cashew cream, and choose a dairy-free cheese substitute. The texture will differ slightly but still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe vegan, swap all dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and skip the parmesan or use a vegan parmesan substitute. Nutritional yeast is also a good option to mimic the cheesy flavor.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic ahead of time to save effort on cooking day. The sauce is best made fresh but can be prepared a few hours ahead and gently reheated.
What pasta works best with creamy mushroom sauce?
Long pastas like linguine or fettuccine are ideal because their flat, smooth surfaces hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to try penne or rigatoni if you prefer a different shape.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe—it’s comfort food at its finest with an elegant side of freshness and depth. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a cozy night in or impressing friends around the dinner table, this dish offers that warm embrace of flavor everyone will love. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, mushroom-packed forkful!
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 tender cremini mushrooms cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, thyme, and parmesan cheese. Linguine pasta is tossed in a luscious cream sauce thickened with cornstarch and balanced with a hint of fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an elegant yet simple dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Mushroom Sauce
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms (baby Bella), gently cleaned 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: ¾ cup and ¼ cup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter along with the olive oil. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and browned, about 15 minutes.
- Add Thyme and Seasonings: Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mushrooms and continue cooking for another minute while stirring several times to release the herb’s aroma. Season with salt and pepper.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch into the ½ cup of milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, then add ¾ cup of the grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh thyme sprigs. Lower the heat to medium-low, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy. Remove and discard the woody thyme sprigs.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Serve: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy mushroom sauce. Serve immediately garnished with the remaining ¼ cup parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh cremini mushrooms for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity or omit for no heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but sauce may be less thick.
- Make sure to remove thyme sprigs before serving to avoid woody bites.
- Cast-iron skillet is recommended for even heating and flavor development but a large heavy skillet works too.
