Super Simple Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Creamy Mushroom Pasta is delicious al dente pasta, sauteed garlic and earthy mushrooms coated in a creamy parmesan sauce. This is an uncomplicated pasta recipe with straightforward flavors and 8 simple ingredients. This pasta and mushroom dish makes an easy dinner. Simply pair it with a green salad and some warm bread for a delicious dinner.

If you love pasta for dinner definitely check out this Easy Tomato Cream Sauce and Lemon Penne with Roasted Broccoli.

For Mushroom Lovers

The smell of mushrooms and garlic cooking in butter is one of our favorite kitchen smells! So you know we love all-things-mushrooms in the Mom’s Dinner Test Kitchen.

Here are some other mushroom recipes to check out if you are also a huge mushroom lover:

• Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
• Chicken and Mushroom Crepes
• Instant Pot Coq au Vin
• Chicken Pot Roast

Using Cremini Mushrooms

For this dish I recommend using cremini mushrooms, which are actually baby portobello mushrooms. You may even see them called “baby portobellos” or “baby bellas” in the store.

Of course you can use whatever mushrooms you prefer. Just make sure you cut them nice and thick so they still have a bite to them after they are sauteed for 10 minutes!

Here are some pro tips for using mushrooms:

• “Wash” the mushrooms with a damp cloth. Do not submerge the mushrooms in water, they will absorb the water and end up with a spongy texture. Instead dampen a paper towel or clean kitchen towel and brush the dirt from the outside.
• Slice them nice and thick. You want the mushrooms to remain “meaty” after they are sautéed in the butter. Achieve this by slicing them at least ¼-1/2 inch thick.
• Use the stems too don’t toss the stems! They have great flavor too. Chop them right along with the caps and toss them into the sauce.
• Don’t be shy with the butter.  When you sauté mushrooms they will absorb the liquid/fat that they are cooked with. Using butter or extra virgin olive oil is a great way to sauté the mushrooms and add delicious flavor.
• Salt the mushrooms. Once the mushrooms have sauteed for a minute or two season with kosher salt. It helps draw out the moisture and leaves the mushrooms nice and tender and “meaty”.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions. Drain. If your sauce isn’t ready right away toss the pasta with a little olive oil and set aside. This will prevent the noodles from clumping together.

Meanwhile in a large skillet with tall sides, add 3 tablespoon of butter and melt over medium heat. Add the thick sliced mushrooms and chopped garlic. After about 2 minutes sprinkle in 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Then continue to sauté for about 8 more minutes until the mushrooms are softened.

Add another 1 tablespoon butter to the pan and let it melt completely. Sprinkle the mushrooms 2 tablespoon all purpose flour. Stir the flour around the pan to coat the mushrooms, about 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste out.

Pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream and ½ cup milk, Stir around the pan until it is thickened.

Remove from the heat and stir in ½ cup shredded parmesan and the cooked pasta, stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated.

Serve garnished with dried basil, dried parsley, or chives.

Making it Your Own

This is a really simple Mushroom Pasta Recipe, so you can absolutely add some things to make it your own.

Here are some ingredients that would pair well with the mushrooms and creamy flavors:

• Thyme or Rosemary add some fresh herbs to totally change the flavor profile. 2 teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme or a combo would be great. Add it when you add the mushrooms and garlic to the pan.
• Fresh spinach add after the mushrooms have sauteed and let the spinach wilt in the pan for about 2 minutes.
• Sauteed or Grilled Shrimp serve this on top of each serving of pasta. A skewer of grilled shrimp would be delicious!
• Chicken or Grilled Chicken either toss it into the pan with the pasta or add it on top of each serving.
• Asparagus add chopped asparagus about half way through the mushroom cooking time.
• Stir in a couple spoonful’s of Fresh Pesto this will give you more of a pesto cream sauce. Stir it in at the very end before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To reheat portion single servings into a microwave safe bowl, stir in a little milk to reconstitute the sauce. Microwave for about 1 minute. Stir. Microwave for an additional 20-30 seconds.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta for Dinner

This pasta dish serves 2-4 people, but I do recommend serving it with a green salad and warm bread.

Just a bagged Caesar salad would be great or if you want to go the extra mile this Big Italian Salad is excellent!

---