This mushroom pasta is a super tasty dish that’s easy to make! With tender mushrooms and a creamy sauce, it’s a great comfort meal that warms you right up.
I can never get enough of this dish, especially when I sprinkle a little cheese on top! It’s perfect for those busy nights when you need something quick and yum! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used fusilli for its fun shape, but any short pasta like penne or farfalle works well. If you want a healthier option, try whole wheat or a gluten-free pasta.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add depth, but white button mushrooms are a good substitute. You could even use shiitake or portobello for a heartier flavor!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor, but you can use pecorino romano if you prefer something sharper. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan option too!
How Do I Properly Sauté Mushrooms for Maximum Flavor?
Sautéing mushrooms brings out their rich flavor and makes them tender. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot pan on medium heat to help the mushrooms brown quickly.
- Add the olive oil and let it heat up before adding the minced garlic. This prevents the garlic from burning.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, toss in the mushrooms in a single layer for even cooking.
- Cook without stirring too much initially; let the mushrooms sit for a minute or two to develop a nice color before stirring.
- Finish cooking until they’re golden brown and their moisture has evaporated. This enhances natural sweetness!
Mushroom Pasta With Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) fusilli pasta (or any short pasta)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225 g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious mushroom pasta takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 15-20 minutes making the sauce and combining everything. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until you smell that lovely garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Cooking the Mushrooms:
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they’ve shrunk down and browned a bit. They will release moisture, which is perfect to help create that sauce.
4. Making the Sauce:
Now, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and scrape any tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pan to add more flavor. Let it reduce for about 2 minutes. Then, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens a little.
5. Final Touches:
Season your sauce with salt and black pepper. If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes. Stir well!
6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Add your drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is nicely coated in that creamy mushroom sauce!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finish. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavorful mushroom pasta dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli works great, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type you choose!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut cream or cashew cream, which will still give you that creamy texture!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! To keep it vegetarian, just stick with vegetable broth. For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.