Description
Cozy Mushroom Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender penne pasta with sautéed cremini mushrooms and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces of penne pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Heat the fats: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and combined.
- Sauté the mushrooms: Add the 16 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir and continue cooking until the mushrooms are tender and caramelized.
- Add garlic: Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Create the cream sauce: Pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens slightly.
- Melt in Parmesan: Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese melts completely, making a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the mushroom cream sauce. Add small splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Season: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Finish with parsley and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley on top before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cremini mushrooms with white button mushrooms or portobello for different flavors.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust the sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
