This Garlic Mushroom Pasta is the kind of comforting dinner that dreams are made of — brimming with golden, garlicky mushrooms, silky pasta, and a shower of fresh parmesan. It’s an irresistible meal that brings a little elegance and a lot of flavor to your table, all with ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or simply whip up something special for yourself, Garlic Mushroom Pasta is always a winner.

Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rustic and straightforward, the magic of this dish comes down to each ingredient playing its unique role. Together, they create a dinner that’s both indulgently creamy and deeply savory, without needing a complicated grocery list.

Pasta: Choose fettuccine, spaghetti, or even linguine—the pasta forms the base and sop up all the saucy goodness.
Fresh mushrooms: Cremini, button, or a mix—sliced mushrooms give this dish its earthy depth and meaty texture.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic wakes everything up with its bold, aromatic punch.
Olive oil: High-quality olive oil is key for sautéing, imparting a rich, fruity undertone.
Butter: Just a little adds silkiness to the sauce and helps brown the mushrooms perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts into the pasta, giving it nutty, salty complexity.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the dish with a hit of color and freshness.
Salt and black pepper: Bring all the flavors into harmony—season to taste and don’t be shy.
Crushed red pepper (optional): For gentle heat that balances the richness and brings everything together.

How to Make Garlic Mushroom Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Get a large pot of salted water going, then cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve a generous cup of pasta water before draining—it’s the secret to a silky sauce later on. Set the drained pasta aside and keep it warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat both olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté, undisturbed at first for a golden sear, then stir occasionally for about 6-8 minutes until they turn golden-brown and the edges crisp up. This is where the mushrooms get deeply savory and irresistible.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—don’t let it brown or burn! This step fills your kitchen with that unmistakable aroma and infuses the oil and mushrooms with garlicky flavor.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Now, add the cooked pasta straight to the skillet with the mushrooms and garlic. Sprinkle over the grated parmesan cheese and pour in a little reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously with tongs until everything’s glossy and beautifully coated, adding more water if needed for a creamy, clinging sauce. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and toss in a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve the Garlic Mushroom Pasta immediately, topped with more parmesan and extra parsley for that perfect finish.

How to Serve Garlic Mushroom Pasta

Garnishes

A snowy blanket of freshly grated parmesan is a must, but don’t stop there—try adding a sprinkle of chopped chives, a few toasted pine nuts, or even a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious touch. Fresh parsley always brings a bright pop of color and freshness that complements the earthy mushrooms.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, or some warm, crusty bread to mop up all that luscious sauce. Roasted asparagus or blistered cherry tomatoes make great veggie sides that won’t overshadow the stars of the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate Garlic Mushroom Pasta in wide, shallow bowls for that restaurant feel. For a dinner party, twirl portions into neat nests using tongs and top each nest with extra mushrooms and herbs. You could even spoon it onto a platter and scatter lemon zest and shavings of parmesan over the top for a rustic yet stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Mushroom Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but the flavors meld and become even more savory overnight.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze Garlic Mushroom Pasta if needed. Cool it completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to one month. Be aware that the texture of the mushrooms and pasta may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor will still shine.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your pasta into a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Warm gently over medium heat, tossing often, until everything is hot and saucy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the pasta rubbery—gentle heat keeps it at its best.

FAQs

Can I use any type of mushroom for Garlic Mushroom Pasta?

Absolutely! While cremini and button mushrooms are classic, feel free to experiment with shiitake, oyster, or portobello for different flavors and textures. Mixing varieties can take the savory depth to a whole new level.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Of course! Swap out the butter for more olive oil or a plant-based butter, and use your favorite vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of the cheese. The garlic and mushrooms are so flavorful you won’t miss the dairy.

Can I add protein to Garlic Mushroom Pasta?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed tofu are delicious additions if you want to up the protein. Simply cook separately and toss in with the pasta at the end.

How can I make this pasta gluten-free?

Just pick your favorite gluten-free pasta—the method and flavors remain exactly the same. Many gluten-free noodles hold up well to the creamy, garlicky sauce.

What’s the best way to make Garlic Mushroom Pasta ahead for a party?

Cook the mushrooms and garlic in advance and store separately. When it’s party time, cook the pasta fresh, then reheat and toss everything together with cheese and pasta water for a dish that tastes fresh off the stove.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something truly comforting yet effortlessly impressive, Garlic Mushroom Pasta never disappoints. With its bold flavors and simple steps, it’s sure to become a standby in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you need a little dinnertime magic.

Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: Kimberly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté, Boil
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This garlic mushroom pasta recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of garlic, mushrooms, and pasta creates a satisfying and comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Mushrooms: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and garlic, and cook until mushrooms are golden brown.
Combine: Add chicken broth and parsley to the mushrooms. Stir to combine.
Finish Dish: Toss the cooked pasta with the mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve the garlic mushroom pasta hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use any type of mushrooms for this recipe, such as cremini, button, or shiitake.
Feel free to add some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 20mg