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There is something truly comforting and irresistible about a rich, velvety pasta dish that brings together the earthy goodness of mushrooms with a luscious sauce. This Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe is exactly that—a perfect harmony of tender linguine enveloped in a divine blend of sautéed cremini mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and a silky cream sauce that’s sprinkled with fresh herbs and parmesan. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress a gathering, this recipe delivers flavor, warmth, and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is essential, lending its own unique note to create a wonderfully balanced dish. From the hearty mushrooms to the fresh parsley, these components come together harmoniously to build layers of flavor and a gorgeous texture.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: A long, thin pasta providing the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms: Also known as baby Bellas, these add an earthy depth and meaty texture.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the mushrooms beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter by adding a subtle fruity note and helps prevent burning.
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant punch that complements the mushrooms.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a warm, woody herb flavor that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Provides gentle heat and balances the creaminess.
- ½ cup milk: Used to create a smooth sauce when combined with cornstarch.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: A thickening agent that makes the sauce perfectly silky without heaviness.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, creamy body.
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (divided): Adds a salty, nutty finish—¾ cup gets melted into the sauce, and ¼ cup is reserved for garnish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (roughly chopped): Brings freshness and a pop of color.
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat to brighten the flavors.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): Added while cooking to infuse the sauce with layered herbal aroma.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Finishing touch that adds vibrancy and freshness on the plate.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Linguine Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, meaning it’s tender but still slightly firm when bitten. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. This base pasta is crucial for carrying all that wonderful mushroom creaminess.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add your sliced cremini mushrooms along with the minced garlic. Stir occasionally and let them cook until the mushrooms become beautifully tender and golden brown, about 15 minutes. This step unlocks the rich, umami flavors mushrooms are known for and infuses the garlic into the mix.
Step 3: Season and Add Herbs
Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mushrooms and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for about one more minute to let the herbs release their aroma. Then season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting the amounts to taste. This creates a flavorful base that will shine through in every bite.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and milk until smooth and lump-free. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the mushrooms, stirring continuously as it thickens. This technique helps the sauce take on a smooth, velvety texture without feeling too heavy or gloopy.
Step 5: Add Cream, Cheese, and Fresh Herbs
Lower the heat to medium-low before pouring in the heavy whipping cream, ¾ cup of grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, optional red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme sprigs. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes luscious and thick. Finally, remove the thyme sprigs as their flavor has fully infused the sauce.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Then Serve
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together so that every strand is lovingly coated with that dreamy mushroom cream sauce. It’s now ready to plate and garnish.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley over the plated pasta. These garnishes add a final burst of flavor and a beautiful contrast of colors that make the dish as visually delightful as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh side salads, such as a lemony arugula salad or a classic Caesar. Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls are also perfect companions to mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, serve this pasta in wide, shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or truffle oil on top. You can also scatter toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts for a delightful crunchy contrast. Adding a few roasted cherry tomatoes on the side brings vibrant color and a sweet, acidic balance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy mushroom pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal!
Freezing
Because of the dairy content, freezing creamy mushroom pasta is a bit tricky. While it can be frozen, the texture of the sauce might separate upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir often to prevent sticking or burning, and avoid the microwave if possible to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms add lovely depth, you can swap in button, shiitake, or even chanterelle mushrooms depending on what you like or what’s available. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this creamy pasta?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use coconut milk instead of dairy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese. The texture and flavor will change, but it can still be delicious and creamy.
How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?
If your sauce seems thin, simply create a slurry with a little more cornstarch and milk, then stir it into the skillet over medium heat until it thickens up. Be careful to add small amounts gradually.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute the linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Most brands cook similarly, so just follow package instructions as usual.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Mushroom Pasta?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce beautifully. They both enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe feels like sharing a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests, with every mouthful offering rich, comforting flavors that feel like home. Give it a try the next time you want a meal that’s simple, satisfying, and packed with deliciousness—you won’t regret it!
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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
Description
A rich and creamy mushroom pasta featuring sautéed cremini mushrooms in a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Mushroom Sauce
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms (baby Bella), cleaned gently and sliced to preference
- 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)
- Several sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Mushroom Base: In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil, creating a flavorful cooking fat for the mushrooms.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and nicely browned.
- Season Mushrooms: Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mushrooms and continue cooking for another minute, stirring frequently to distribute the herb flavor evenly.
- Add Salt and Pepper: Season the mushroom mixture with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Create Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the ½ cup of milk until smooth, then pour this mixture into the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir constantly until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy whipping cream along with ¾ cup of the grated parmesan cheese. Stir in the chopped parsley, red pepper flakes if using, and fresh thyme sprigs to infuse additional flavor.
- Simmer and Melt Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and continue stirring gently until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove and discard the woody thyme sprigs.
- Serve: Toss the cooked linguine with the creamy mushroom sauce or spoon the sauce over the pasta. Garnish with the remaining ¼ cup parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Using fresh thyme sprigs adds aromatic flavor, but dried thyme can suffice if fresh is unavailable.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Be sure to gently clean mushrooms with a damp cloth rather than washing them under water to avoid sogginess.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
