This mushroom pasta is a warm and comforting dish! Tossed with tender mushrooms and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a real treat for your taste buds.
I love to enjoy it with a sprinkle of cheese on top. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights when I want something tasty without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like rotini for its fun shape and ability to hold the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you have, like penne, farfalle, or fettuccine if that’s what you prefer.
Mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms work great for this dish. If you want a deeper flavor, try using shiitake or portobello mushrooms. Just slice them up like the others.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter option, you could substitute half-and-half or a plant-based cream, like coconut cream, for a dairy-free option.
Wine: I often use dry white wine to deglaze the pan, but you can simply use vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. It’ll still add good flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings the best taste. If you’re looking for a lacto-free option, nutritional yeast can be a great substitute.
How Do You Sauté Mushrooms to Perfection?
Sautéing mushrooms well is key to building flavor in this dish. You want them to brown nicely, which brings out their natural sweetness and umami. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and add olive oil. Wait until it shimmers before adding the mushrooms.
- Spread the mushrooms evenly in a single layer. Resist the urge to stir too often; this helps them brown better.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes until they’ve released their moisture and are golden. Then, you can add garlic and shallots to enhance the aroma.
This simple technique can really elevate your cooking and make those mushrooms shine in the dish!
Mushroom Pasta With Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) rotini or your preferred pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or white button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot or 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious mushroom pasta takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander but remember to save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later!
2. Sautéing the Mushrooms:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re browned and have released their moisture. This will make them rich in flavor!
3. Adding Flavor:
Next, add in the minced garlic and the chopped shallot (or onion) to the mushrooms. Cook these together for another 1-2 minutes, stirring until they’re fragrant. It’s beginning to smell wonderful in your kitchen!
4. Deglazing the Pan:
Pour in the dry white wine (or vegetable broth) and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it reduces by half. This will add a depth of flavor to your sauce while getting those tasty bits from the pan!
5. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm up but don’t let it boil. After a minute or so, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens just a bit. Taste it and adjust with salt and pepper if you wish.
6. Combining Everything:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Mix it well so every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy mushroom sauce.
7. Serving it Up:
Plate your mushroom pasta immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this comforting dish while it’s hot!
Your creamy mushroom pasta is ready—enjoy this delicious meal that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your tummy!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this recipe, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
What Other Mushrooms Can I Use?
Besides cremini and white button, you can also experiment with shiitake, portobello, or any wild mushrooms you enjoy. Each type will bring a unique flavor to your dish!
How Do I Store Leftover Mushroom Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pasta chewy.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and skip the wine or use vegetable broth. You’ll still get a creamy and delicious sauce!