Description
A warm and comforting pasta dish featuring tender mushrooms sautéed in butter and garlic, enveloped in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner after the holidays, this recipe balances hearty flavors with simple ingredients for an elegant yet easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Sauce & Mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or white button)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and develop a deep, rich flavor, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute more, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Let the cream simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the mushroom cream sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve your preferred consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce thickness without diluting flavor.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for optimal taste and melting.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce may be less thick.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance aroma and color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy mushroom pasta, easy pasta dinner, cozy pasta recipe, mushroom cream sauce, Italian comfort food
