Easy Pasta With Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Name: Easy Pasta With Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of your choice; Salt for boiling; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Fast Easy Meals Inspiration

When I crave comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like this Easy Pasta With Creamy Mushroom Sauce. I love how quickly it comes together, allowing me to indulge in a rich and satisfying meal any day of the week. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and a velvety cream sauce creates a dish that's both elegant and comforting. Plus, I can easily customize it with whatever pasta I have on hand, making it a reliable favorite for busy evenings.

Created by

Nicola Fairchild

Last updated on 2026-02-24T06:33:36.145Z

One evening, I decided to experiment with a simple pasta dish that I could whip up in under thirty minutes. As I sautéed the mushrooms and garlic, I was reminded of the earthy aroma that fills the kitchen, instantly making it feel warm and inviting. That’s when I knew I had struck gold with this recipe.

The trick to achieving that luxurious creamy texture is to add a splash of pasta water to the sauce. It not only enhances the creaminess but also helps the sauce adhere beautifully to the pasta. I've enjoyed this dish with various herbs and spices, making it versatile and ever so delightful!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy texture that perfectly coats each strand of pasta
Earthy mushrooms add a depth of flavor that elevates the dish
Quick and simple, making it perfect for weeknight dinners

Mastering the Sauce

The creamy mushroom sauce in this recipe is what truly defines its character. When sautéing the mushrooms, aim for a medium-high heat; this allows them to brown beautifully while releasing their moisture, which intensifies the flavor. Look for that characteristic golden-brown color as you cook. As the mushrooms are cooking, make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure they sauté rather than steam.

After adding the heavy cream, keep the heat low to maintain that creamy texture without curdling the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce is glossy and thick enough to cling to the pasta, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The Parmesan cheese not only adds richness but also acts as a natural thickener; for a lighter version, you can substitute it with a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast.

Pasta Perfection

Choosing the right pasta is key to enjoying this dish to its fullest. I often use fettuccine or tagliatelle because their flat surfaces allow the creamy sauce to cling beautifully. However, any pasta shape, including penne or farfalle, can work well. Just ensure that you cook it to al dente, which provides a pleasing bite and helps it hold up better in the sauce.

A quick tip: always reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid can be magical in adjusting the sauce's consistency. If you find the sauce too thick at the end, simply add a few tablespoons of the reserved water, stirring until the desired creaminess is achieved.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta of your choice
Salt for boiling

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and browned.

Combine and Serve

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your creamy, delicious pasta!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Customization Options

One of the best things about this Easy Pasta With Creamy Mushroom Sauce is its versatility. Feel free to toss in cooked chicken or sautéed spinach for added nutrition. If you're aiming for a vegetarian delight, add some peas or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. You can even change up the mushrooms; try using a mix of shiitake and cremini for a more complex taste.

For those looking to spice things up, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. This will give the sauce a gentle kick that beautifully complements the earthiness of the mushrooms. Alternatively, replacing the Parmesan with goat cheese can provide a tangy twist that’s equally delightful.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Just allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, where it can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. This method helps to revive the sauce’s creaminess without overcooking the pasta. Add a splash of water or a small drizzle of cream to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta without the sauce. Cook and cool the pasta, then toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Package it in freezer-safe bags, and it can last for up to 2 months. The sauce can be frozen separately as well. Just remember to thaw and reheat the sauce gently to maintain its creamy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with any pasta type, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free options.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Also, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve, just cook the pasta fresh.