Print

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta with Fresh Herbs

creamy garlic mushroom pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy garlic mushroom pasta is a quick, comforting dinner featuring golden sautéed mushrooms, velvety garlic sauce, and a burst of fresh herbs. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s easy to customize for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz dried pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti; use gluten-free if needed)
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced (cremini, baby bella, white button, or a mix)
  • 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving; use vegan parmesan if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring. Stir and cook another 4-5 minutes until golden.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 1 minute until garlic is golden. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes, stirring often until slightly thickened.
  6. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Toss in parsley, chives, thyme, and lemon zest if using.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

For best results, brown mushrooms in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh herbs for brightness; dried herbs work in a pinch (use half the amount). Customize with gluten-free pasta, vegan cheese, or add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic mushroom pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner, fresh herbs, comfort food, weeknight meal, Italian pasta, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/creamy-garlic-mushroom-pasta-recipe-easy-dinner-with-fresh-herbs/