Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Indulge in creamy mushroom pasta, the perfect quick meal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. This easy recipe combines tender pasta with a rich sauce of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, onions, cheese, and herbs. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s versatile and satisfying. Customize with your favorite ingredients for a comforting dish that’s sure to please!
Creamy mushroom pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, combining rich flavors with simplicity and ease of preparation. This recipe brings together tender pasta, savory mushrooms, and a velvety sauce made from sautéed onions, garlic, cheese, and fresh herbs. The subtle hint of nutmeg adds a warm depth that elevates this dish to gourmet levels. It’s a versatile and satisfying meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for both busy weekdays and leisurely weekends.
Why is this the best recipe?
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of butter, olive oil, and cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. The addition of milk and a touch of nutmeg enhances the depth of flavor, making each bite indulgently satisfying.
- Layered Aromatics and Herbs: Cooking onions and garlic until fragrant provides a flavorful base for the sauce, ensuring each mouthful is packed with aromatic goodness. Fresh thyme and parsley add a subtle yet distinct herbal note that brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sauce.
- Versatile and Adaptable: The recipe is versatile and allows for easy substitutions or additions, such as different types of cheese or herbs, enabling you to tailor the dish to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Easy and Quick Preparation: With straightforward steps and a quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Pasta: The base of the dish, pasta serves as a hearty and versatile canvas for the creamy sauce. You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. For a healthier option, try whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Olive Oil and Butter: A combination of olive oil and butter provides a balanced richness and flavor for sautéing the vegetables. You can also use all olive oil for a lighter version or all butter for a richer flavor. Alternatively, try avocado oil or ghee as healthier substitutes.
- Onion: Onions add a sweet and savory base flavor to the dish. You can also use shallots or leeks for a milder flavor. Red onions can add a bit more bite and color.
- Garlic: Garlic provides a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall dish. You can also use garlic powder in a pinch, or roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter taste.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms bring a deep, umami-rich flavor and meaty texture to the pasta. Use any mushroom variety such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello. For a different twist, you can substitute with zucchini or eggplant for a similar texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour is used to create the roux, which thickens the sauce and gives it a creamy texture. Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used as gluten-free alternatives. However, use half the amount when substituting with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
- Milk: Milk adds creaminess and richness to the sauce. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. But, be aware that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor.
- Cheese: Cheese adds a savory, salty, and creamy flavor to the sauce. Parmesan or Gruyere are ideal, but you can also try Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free substitute that adds a cheesy flavor.
- Fresh Thyme: Adds a fresh, earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce. Dried thyme can be used (use half the amount), or you can try oregano, rosemary, or marjoram for different herbal notes.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm spice that enhances the creamy sauce’s depth. You can also use mace in place of nutmeg. Alternatively, you can omit it if unavailable, though it adds a distinct flavor.
- Frozen Peas: Peas add color, sweetness, and texture to the dish. Fresh peas or other vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or broccoli can be used for variety.
Step-by-step: Mushroom Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and their moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Stir well to combine, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in the grated cheese until it is melted and smooth. Add the fresh thyme and freshly grated nutmeg. Stir to combine.
- Add Peas and Parsley: Add the thawed peas to the sauce, stirring to heat through. Stir in the chopped parsley and mix well.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or nutmeg as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and grated cheese if desired.
Mushroom Pasta – Quick and Easy
This mushroom pasta recipe is comfort food and dinner in just 15 minutes. Mushrooms and peas cooked in a creamy, rich white sauce, yet not loaded with cream or cheese. Perfect when you need a super-quick meal using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb (500 g) Pasta Penne, fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 small Spanish onion chopped finely
- 2 large Garlic cloves sliced
- 8 oz (226 g) Mushrooms button or crimini
- 1 tbsp Flour all-purpose
- 2 cups (500 ml) Whole Milk or half and half
- ¼ cups (¼ cup) Parmesan
- ½ cup (g) Gruyere or cheddar
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 tbsp Thyme leaves fresh
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg fresh grated
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper powder
- 1 cup (145 g) Peas frozen or fresh
- ¼ cup (15 g) Parsley fresh
Method
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.1 lb Pasta
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.1 tbsp Olive oil, 2 tbsp Butter, 1 small Spanish onion, 2 large Garlic cloves
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown and their moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.8 oz Mushrooms, ¼ tsp Salt, ½ tsp Black pepper powder
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Stir well to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.1 tbsp Flour, 2 cups Whole Milk
- Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in the grated cheese until it is melted and smooth. Add the fresh thyme and freshly grated nutmeg. Stir to combine.¼ cups Parmesan, ½ cup Gruyere or cheddar, 2 Bay leaves, 2 tbsp Thyme leaves, ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- Add Peas and Parsley: Add the thawed peas to the sauce, stirring to heat through. Stir in the chopped parsley and mix well.1 cup Peas, ¼ cup Parsley
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or nutmeg as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and grated cheese if desired.
Notes
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- Choose the Right Mushrooms: Use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or portobello for a richer and more complex flavor. Cremini mushrooms offer a hearty texture, while shiitake adds depth, and portobello contributes a meaty richness. Wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove dirt instead of rinsing them. Excess water can prevent proper browning and affect the texture.
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- Perfectly Sauté the Mushrooms: Use medium-high heat to sauté mushrooms, ensuring they release their moisture and develop a nice golden brown color. This process enhances the umami flavor and prevents sogginess. Cook mushrooms in batches, if necessary, to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than browning.
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- Achieve the Ideal Sauce Consistency: Gradually whisk in the milk to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce. Adding the milk slowly helps the roux absorb it evenly. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and adds flavor.
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- Enhance Flavor with Seasonings: Season the onions, mushrooms, and sauce with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process to build layers of flavor. Use freshly grated nutmeg for a more potent and aromatic addition to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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- Incorporate Fresh Herbs Stir in fresh parsley and thyme just before serving to maintain their bright flavor and vibrant color. Add a pinch of fresh basil, oregano, or tarragon for a different flavor twist that complements the creamy sauce.
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- Customize to Your Taste: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere or Asiago, or a combination for varied flavor profiles. For additional protein, include cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, making the dish heartier and more satisfying.
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- Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta immediately after tossing it with the sauce to ensure the best texture and flavor. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so prompt serving maintains its creaminess.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!more pasta recipes you may like
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- Mushroom Masala
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Frequently asked questions
How long will this pasta keep?
This pasta will keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. When you need to reheat it, add a few tablespoons of water to help the starch in the sauce blend again.
How do you make good pasta? How do you boil perfect pasta?
Boil water with salt in a large pot at least 4 times the quantity of pasta. So, 1 cup of pasta would need at least 4 cups of water.
Once the water comes to a boil, add the pasta and give it a good stir.
Let the pasta cook for about 8 to 12 minutes.
The best way to check pasta is to taste it. It has to be Al Dente, which means soft but still has a bite.
Drain the pasta and set it aside until ready to use it in the sauce.
Can I use chicken or other meats in this mushroom pasta?
Yes, of course, in fact, I made a similar recipe, chicken with pasta in 15 minutes, pappardelle pasta with lamb, and ground beef pasta. You must check these out.
Can I add cream to this mushroom pasta?
You can add cream to make it a richer and creamier sauce, but as you can see in the video below, it is really not necessary. The sauce coats the pasta beautifully, and the flour and stock make it rich and creamy.
more recipes with mushrooms you may like
- Phyllo Mushroom Pie
- Portobello Mushroom Burger
- Best Mushroom Pizza
- Crustless Mushroom Quiche
- Chicken with Mushroom Gravy
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This mushroom pasta is so creamy! I love all the layers of flavor in this and it is positively packed with umami. I also really appreciate the peas in this because they give great texture to the dish.
Thank you, Jenni. So happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for the feedback.
You cannot go wrong with mushrooms and pasta! It’s great how quick and easy this recipe is too.
That is true Jacqui. Can’t go wrong with mushrooms and pasta.
My kids’ favorite pasta. we make at least once a month. So good with that creamy sauce. Thanks for the recipe
Thank you, Uma. So happy your kids enjoyed this recipe so much. Thanks for the feedback.
This pasta is a huge hit at my house! We just love it and make it often. Sometimes I make a double batch and have frozen mushroom sauce for last-minute dinners!
Thank you so much, Paula. So happy to hear you enjoy this pasta. It sure is simple and easy
Pasta with mushrooms, what can be better! That’s a perfect comforting meal for a cold night!
Absolutely, Veronika. Perfect for any weather.
This pasta looks delicious. It has all of my favourite things together in one bowl.
Yes, so easy too, Bernice. You must try.
Mushroom and pasta are my two favorite combination and you got me at both. Making it soon.
Thank you Gunjan. I hope you try this recipe.
That looks really good. I’m a big fan of mushrooms and pasta, so I know I’m going to enjoy this. Tasty.
Thank you, Ben. I hope you try this