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The Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Pasta in 30 Minutes

A close-up view of rich, creamy mushroom pasta tossed with fettuccine and topped with sautéed mushrooms and fresh parsley.

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Make this rich, comforting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Pasta. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a luscious sauce perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their liquid and begin to brown, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the mushrooms. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not let the sauce boil after adding the cheese.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Serve immediately. Top each portion with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • For an extra umami boost, add 1 teaspoon of white miso paste along with the heavy cream.
  • You can substitute baby bella mushrooms with cremini or a mix of wild mushrooms for deeper flavor.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of chicken broth, reducing the heavy cream slightly.

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