Go Back
In the world of culinary delights, few dishes encapsulate the essence of comfort food quite like Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta. This dish seamlessly combines the rich, earthy flavors of garlic and mushrooms with the satisfying texture of pasta, creating a meal that is both indulgent and heartwarming. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to impress guests, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavor.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta for Busy Nights

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta. This delightful dish perfectly melds the rich flavors of garlic and mushrooms with tender pasta, offering a warm, satisfying meal suitable for any occasion. Easy to prepare and highly versatile, you can customize it to fit dietary needs with gluten-free pasta or coconut milk for a vegan option. Enhance your dining experience by serving it with a salad or crusty bread, elevating every bite of this creamy goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

10 oz (280g) mushrooms, sliced (a mix of cremini and shiitake is ideal)

1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup baby spinach (optional)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions until it reaches al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: In the same pot used for the pasta, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for approximately 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be mindful not to let it burn! Then, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are nicely golden and tender.

      Prepare the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, and carefully pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Italian seasoning as well as salt and pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to gently simmer for about 3-5 minutes, letting it thicken and envelop the mushrooms in creaminess.

        Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the reserved cooked pasta to the pot, tossing it well in the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually incorporate some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.

          Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: If you are using baby spinach, stir it in until just wilted. Then, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and mix everything thoroughly until well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

            Serve: Plate the creamy garlic mushroom pasta into individual bowls. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, add more Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor. Serve immediately and savor your delicious, comforting meal!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

                Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, consider placing a sprig of parsley on each bowl and drizzling a little olive oil around the edges for color contrast. Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete dining experience.