Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor – Mushroom Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that comes together in minutes. Tender pasta tossed with buttery golden mushrooms, fresh garlic, and parmesan creates a silky sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or preparing something impressive for guests, this recipe is simple yet indulgent – exactly what you need when craving a satisfying, homemade pasta dish.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Simple ingredients – pantry staples and fresh mushrooms are all you need.
- Rich & satisfying – buttery garlic mushrooms coat the pasta in a light, cheesy sauce.
- Perfect for any occasion – cozy weeknights or dinner parties with friends.
- Unforgettable flavor – earthy mushrooms, nutty parmesan, and a glossy sauce that clings perfectly.
Unlike other versions, this recipe balances richness without being heavy – the starchy pasta water turns parmesan and butter into a silky, restaurant-quality glaze.
Ingredients Needed
For the Pasta
- 200 g (7 oz) short pasta such as penne, macaroni, or orecchiette or
- 160 g (6 oz) long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine
(Choose your favorite style – both work beautifully.)
For the Garlic Butter Mushrooms
- 400 g (14 oz) mushrooms, sliced about ½ cm thick (use button, cremini, or mixed varieties for depth)
- 50 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan (avoid pre-grated if possible for best melting)
To Finish
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Extra parmesan, for sprinkling
How to Make Mushroom Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but remove it 1 minute before al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain. Tip: starting the pasta while you cook the mushrooms keeps everything hot and ready to toss together.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large skillet, melt half the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their water and it evaporates, leaving them golden and slightly crisp at the edges – about 5 minutes. Season halfway through with salt and pepper to build flavor early.
3. Add Garlic & More Butter
Stir in the minced garlic and the remaining butter. Cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant and the mushrooms take on a rich, nutty aroma. This step layers in depth and ensures the garlic doesn’t burn.
4. Toss Everything Together
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the mushrooms. Pour in about ¾ cup of the reserved pasta water along with the parmesan cheese. Toss gently until the liquid reduces and forms a glossy sauce that clings to each strand of pasta. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash more pasta water.
5. Taste & Serve
Check seasoning, adding extra salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with fresh parsley and a generous shower of parmesan.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the flavors.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce – avoid microwaving for too long as it can dry the pasta.
Helpful Notes
- Mushroom variety matters: Try mixing cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for a deeper, umami-rich flavor.
- Cheese swap: Pecorino Romano adds a sharper, saltier kick if you want extra punch.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone at the end for a richer sauce.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package, removing 1 minute before al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt half the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Stir in garlic and remaining butter. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta to skillet with mushrooms. Pour in ¾ cup pasta water and parmesan. Toss until glossy sauce forms, adding more water if needed.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Conclusion
This Mushroom Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Golden, garlicky mushrooms tossed with buttery pasta and parmesan form a dish that feels indulgent yet effortless. It’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough to impress dinner guests.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and star rating below to share how it turned out. Don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest or share with friends on Facebook.
👉 What twist would you add to make it your own – a splash of cream, a sprinkle of chili, or maybe truffle oil? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different mushrooms?
Yes! Button mushrooms work fine, but mixing varieties like shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms adds complexity.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the mushrooms ahead and store them in the fridge. Reheat with fresh pasta for the best texture.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Not ideal – pasta tends to lose its texture when frozen. If needed, freeze only the sautéed mushrooms, then cook pasta fresh when serving.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be glossy and cling lightly to the pasta – not watery, but not overly thick. Add pasta water gradually until it reaches this consistency.