Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta

Name: Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti); 250g mushrooms, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Hearty Kitchen Creations

I absolutely love preparing this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta, especially on busy evenings when I crave something indulgent yet quick. The rich, creamy sauce, combined with the earthy flavor of mushrooms and garlicky notes, makes every bite a delight. It's a recipe that requires minimal ingredients, yet the result is truly impressive! I often serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan on top for an added touch of elegance. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a staple in your household!

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2026-02-08T03:24:38.062Z

Each time I whip up this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta, I reminisce about the first time I experimented with creating a homemade sauce. I used sautéed mushrooms and garlic as my base and added cream to bring it all together. It was a revelation, and I knew I had stumbled on something special! The key is to let the mushrooms cook down until they're golden brown; this intensifies the flavor immensely.

Another tip I cherish is using fresh garlic and a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan. This adds a lovely depth to the sauce, enhancing the entire dish. Pair this with your favorite pasta, and you’ll have a meal that screams comfort food!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich garlic flavor enveloping tender mushrooms
Ultra-creamy sauce that coats pasta beautifully
Quick and easy to make for any weeknight meal

The Role of Garlic and Cream

Garlic is essential in this dish, providing a depth of flavor that complements the mushrooms perfectly. When sautéing, it’s crucial to add the minced garlic after the mushrooms have softened to prevent burning, which can lead to a bitter taste. Cooking the garlic for just 1-2 minutes ensures it releases its aromatic qualities without dominating the dish.

The heavy cream not only enriches the sauce but also helps to balance out the earthiness of the mushrooms. Its thickness coats the pasta beautifully, creating a luxurious texture. For a lighter version, you could substitute half-and-half, though it might change the richness you get from the original recipe. Adjust the simmering time to allow the cream to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavor.

Perfect Pasta Pairings

While fettuccine and spaghetti are classic choices for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of pasta like linguine or penne. Just ensure you adjust your cooking times accordingly. Shorter pasta shapes like penne typically require slightly less cooking time, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta can also be a great base for additional ingredients. Consider adding spinach or peas for a pop of color and nutrition. If you want to introduce protein, grilled chicken or shrimp sautéed in the same skillet before the mushrooms can enhance the dish without needing to change the overall preparation method.

Ingredients

Start with these simple ingredients to create a delightful dish.

Ingredients

200g pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
250g mushrooms, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bring this dish to life.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the mushrooms and garlic. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also add spinach or peas for an extra pop of color and nutrients.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers of this creamy pasta, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken up as it cools, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore its creamy consistency. Warm it on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

For longer storage, consider freezing the mushroom pasta before adding the cream. You can defrost the pasta overnight in the fridge and then reheat it, adding the cream while warming to retain that creamy texture. This method helps maintain the quality of the ingredients while allowing you to enjoy this dish later.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce turns out too thick, don’t worry; it’s easy to fix! Adding reserved pasta water gradually can help achieve the desired consistency. Be cautious not to add too much at once; start with a tablespoon and stir until you reach your preferred texture.

Conversely, if your sauce is too runny, allow it to simmer for an additional few minutes to help it reduce. Stirring frequently ensures it doesn’t stick and burn at the bottom. Also, consider a touch more cheese if you want to thicken it and add extra flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this pasta vegan?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a vegan version.

→ What other mushrooms work well in this recipe?

You can use a mix of cremini, shiitake, or even portobello mushrooms for different flavors.

→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Just reheat and combine with cooked pasta before serving.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.