If you’re craving something that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, you’ve got to try this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe. It’s a luscious dish where tender linguine noodles meet a rich, velvety sauce bursting with the earthy goodness of cremini mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a perfectly balanced hint of garlic. Every bite melts in your mouth, combining buttery, cheesy, and savory notes that will leave you coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight treat or a simple yet impressive dinner for friends, this pasta is a kitchen favorite that’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a vital role in bringing together the dish’s depth of flavor, the creamy texture, and that irresistible mushroom aroma you’ll love filling your kitchen.
- 8 ounces linguine pasta: This long, flat pasta perfectly holds the creamy sauce, making every forkful deliciously coated.
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms: Also called baby Bellas, they bring an earthy, meaty flavor and a lovely texture when sautéed.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps develop the mouthwatering sauce base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter and prevents it from burning while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic punch without overpowering the delicate mushroom taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb pairs beautifully with mushrooms, offering gentle savory, slightly floral hints.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and balances the creaminess.
- ½ cup milk: Mixed with cornstarch, it thickens the sauce for the perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: A natural thickening agent creating a sauce that clings luxuriously.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: The key to the creamy texture and lusciousness of the sauce.
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese: Divided for layers of cheesy depth and finishing garnish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (roughly chopped): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and color.
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick that balances the richness beautifully.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): For extra fragrance and presentation flair.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): To finish with a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Linguine
Start by cooking your linguine according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta has a bit of bite to hold up against the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with olive oil. This combo will give you a rich base but protect against burning. Add your sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook these over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms become tender and golden brown—about 15 minutes. This slow cooking deepens their flavor and creates that irresistible caramelized aroma.
Step 3: Add Dried Thyme and Season
Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mushrooms, stirring for about one minute to help release its fragrant oils and infuse the mixture. Then season with salt and pepper to taste, which will amplify all those savory notes and balance the dish beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the half cup of milk and cornstarch until smooth—this slurry will help thicken your sauce without lumps. Pour it into the skillet with the mushrooms, stirring constantly as the sauce thickens. It’s a magic moment when the sauce starts to become creamy and cling to each mushroom piece.
Step 5: Finish the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the heavy whipping cream, three-quarters of your freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, optional red pepper flakes for just a hint of heat, and fresh thyme sprigs. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently stir until the cheese melts completely, transforming your skillet into a luscious sauce. Don’t forget to remove the woody thyme sprigs before serving.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Finally, add your cooked linguine into the skillet, tossing everything until the pasta is fully coated in that dreamy sauce. This step is what brings the dish together, making each bite a perfect blend of creamy mushroom goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation makes a dish extra special, and garnishing with the remaining quarter cup of parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely contrast of color and a bit of fresh brightness. Those little finishing touches elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This creamy mushroom pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread that you can use to mop up every last bit of that sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the richness perfectly by adding texture and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving your Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls, topped with a few extra thyme sprigs and a drizzle of good olive oil. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for an unexpected crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy mushrooms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate leftover creamy mushroom pasta in an airtight container for up to three days. The sauce might thicken as it cools, but a little gentle reheating with a splash of milk or cream restores that perfect silky texture.
Freezing
It’s best to avoid freezing Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe because dairy-based sauces tend to separate when thawed, affecting texture. If you want to freeze it, consider storing the pasta and sauce separately and combine them after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This will help bring the pasta back to life without drying it out or causing the sauce to separate. Microwave reheating is possible but less ideal as it can cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are perfect for this dish, you can mix in shiitake, button, or portobello mushrooms for different textures and flavors. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed for larger or more water-heavy varieties.
Is there a non-dairy way to make this creamy pasta?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy flavor. The texture and taste will differ but will still be delicious.
Can I prepare this pasta recipe ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients and even cook the mushrooms and garlic the day before. Just hold off combining with pasta and cream sauce until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste and best texture.
How spicy is the pasta with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes are optional and used sparingly. They add a mild warmth that balances the richness without making the dish spicy. Feel free to adjust or omit depending on your spice preference.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Linguine is a great choice because its flat strands hold the creamy sauce beautifully. However, fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti can work well, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner every time I make it. It’s rich, comforting, and just downright delicious while remaining surprisingly simple to create. If you love the idea of earthy mushrooms wrapped in a delicate, cheesy sauce with fresh herbs, this is the pasta you need in your life. Grab those ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to fall in love with every creamy bite.
Print
Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy mushroom pasta dish featuring tender cremini mushrooms cooked in a luscious garlic-herb cream sauce, tossed with perfectly boiled linguine and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This comforting meal comes together in just 35 minutes, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Mushroom Sauce
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms (baby Bella), cleaned gently with a damp paper towel and sliced to preference
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese (divided into ¾ cup and ¼ cup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Several sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with olive oil to create a flavorful base.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned, approximately 15 minutes.
- Add Dried Thyme: Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mushrooms and continue cooking for about one minute while stirring frequently to release the herb’s aroma.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring balanced flavor.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch into the ½ cup of milk until dissolved. Pour this into the skillet with the mushrooms and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh thyme sprigs.
- Melt Cheese and Finish Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Remove and discard the woody sprigs of thyme.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked linguine in the creamy mushroom sauce until well coated. Serve immediately garnished with the remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use cremini mushrooms for their deep flavor; baby Bella mushrooms work perfectly.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly but dissolve well to prevent lumps.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but are optional.
- Fresh thyme sprigs add aroma but remove before serving because the woody stems are not edible.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Cast-iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution but a heavy-bottomed pan works well too.
- Ensure mushrooms are not overcrowded while cooking to allow proper browning.
