Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
A luscious, creamy pasta loaded with sautéed garlic mushrooms and a hint of Parmesan. This one-pot wonder is sure to satisfy your cravings for something cozy and flavorful!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 250g (about 8 oz) pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or mixed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or pasta cooking water
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden and softened (about 6–8 minutes). Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Add the Garlic:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Create the Sauce:
- Pour in the vegetable broth (or reserved pasta water) and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Serve the pasta immediately, topped with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Make it Vegan: Use coconut cream or plant-based cream, vegan Parmesan, and olive oil instead of butter.
- Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra heartiness.
- Boost Flavor: A splash of white wine added to the sauce before the cream takes the flavor up a notch!
Health Benefits:
This dish balances indulgence and nutrition. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and B vitamins, while garlic boosts immunity and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Add a whole-grain or chickpea-based pasta to up the fiber and protein content.
