This mushroom pasta is a yummy dish that brings together tender pasta and juicy mushrooms, all coated in a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up. Just cook the pasta, sauté the mushrooms, and mix in the sauce. Dinner is served and it’s oh-so-comforting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape is perfect for holding the sauce, but you can swap it with other pasta types like fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Mushrooms: I like using cremini for their rich flavor, but button mushrooms work great too! If you want a more earthy taste, try shiitake or portobello mushrooms.
Heavy Cream: Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just adjust the quantity to match your preferred consistency.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano can be a delightful substitute for Parmesan, offering a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is great too for a dairy-free alternative!
How Do I Get the Mushrooms Perfectly Sauteed?
Sautéing mushrooms may seem simple, but it needs attention. You want to release their moisture and enhance their flavor without making them soggy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium-high heat and ensure not to overcrowd the pan, as that causes steaming.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan in a single layer—this promotes browning.
- Keep them moving occasionally, allowing them to brown properly on each side without burning.
- Cook for about 7-8 minutes until they’re golden brown and tender.
With these tips, your mushrooms will add incredible flavor to the pasta!
How to Make Mushroom Pasta With Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Sauce Base:
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz (340 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
Cheese & Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp tomato paste (optional, for subtle color and depth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This mushroom pasta dish will take approximately 25-30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10-12 minutes cooking the pasta and about 15 minutes making the sauce and combining everything. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it—this keeps the starch that helps the sauce stick!
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them, stirring often, until they turn golden brown and have released their moisture, about 7-8 minutes. This step is crucial for developing their rich flavor!
3. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring until the garlic is fragrant but not burned. This will complement the earthy flavor of the mushrooms.
4. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
If you’re using it, stir in the tomato paste now and cook for about 1 minute to incorporate. Then, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and the heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This creates a creamy, delicious base for your pasta!
5. Final Touches:
Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce and makes it nice and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust to your liking—itching for some extra flavor? A pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning can do wonders!
6. Combine Everything:
Finally, add the drained penne pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy mushroom sauce. Let it heat through for a minute or so to blend the flavors nicely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the mushroom pasta hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. It’s the perfect comforting dish for any day!
And there you have it—your creamy, savory mushroom pasta with a lovely silken sauce! Enjoy every delightful bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for this dish, you can easily substitute it with other pasta types such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just ensure you adjust the quantity to achieve your desired creaminess!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mushroom pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it seems too dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the mushrooms until they’re tender before adding the sauce ingredients.