There’s nothing better than winding down after a hectic day with a bowl of homemade pasta, especially when it’s bursting with the earthy flavors of garlic and mushrooms. I made this Garlic Mushroom Pasta recently, and it was an instant hit!
The creamy garlic butter sauce, infused with pops of lemon zest and sprinkled with fresh parsley, wrapped itself beautifully around the tender pasta ribbons. Trust me, the simplicity of the ingredients and the richness of the flavor make this dish an all-time favorite. This recipe is quick to whip up, meaning you can satisfy those midweek cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. 🍝
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even guests, this pasta ticks all the boxes. The best part? You can easily tweak the recipe to fit your dietary preferences or level up the flavors with a few add-ins. Intrigued? Let’s jump into all the details below so you can recreate this delicious dish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Garlic Mushroom Pasta is guaranteed to become your weeknight staple for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, this dish requires minimal effort and perfect timing for busy days.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a fancy grocery list. All the components are budget-friendly and likely already in your kitchen.
- Customizable Flavors: Adapt it to your preference by tossing in fresh herbs, protein, or using dairy-free options.
- Rich and Comforting: The buttery garlic sauce paired with mushrooms and pasta creates a satisfying, restaurant-worthy meal at home.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this pasta fits the bill.
Cooking Time
Here’s how quickly you can whip up this garlic mushroom pasta:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:
- Pasta (e.g., pappardelle or any of your choice)
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Onion
- Cremini mushrooms
- Garlic
- Dijon mustard
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Lemon juice and zest
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some simple substitutions and add-ons:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth or even dry white wine for added depth.
- Vegan Twist: Use vegan butter, skip the parmesan, and sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy pancetta for an extra heartiness.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you love heat or stir in some truffle oil for luxury.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet: for sautéing mushrooms and combining the sauce.
- Pot: to cook the pasta to perfection.
- Microplane zester: for grating fresh parmesan and zesting lemon.
- Tongs: to easily toss the pasta in the sauce.
How to Make Garlic Mushroom Pasta?
Step 1: Cook the Pasta 🍝
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Aim for al dente texture so the pasta can absorb the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Onions 🍄
Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and mushrooms, stirring occasionally. Allow them to cook until all the water has evaporated and the mushrooms turn beautifully golden. This step is key to locking in flavor!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Dijon 🧄
Add the remaining butter to the skillet, followed by minced garlic and Dijon mustard. Cook for about a minute until fragrant. (This is where your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!)
Step 4: Create the Sauce 🍋
Pour in the broth along with freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Simmer for another minute to blend all the flavors together. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan and parsley. Don’t forget a ladle of pasta water to loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Toss and Serve 🌿
Drain the pasta and immediately toss it into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs to coat the pasta ribbons liberally in the creamy mix. Season with salt and pepper, and serve right away. Optional garnish? A sprinkle of extra parmesan and parsley. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Mushrooms: Sear the mushrooms until golden brown for maximum flavor. Be patient; this step is worth it.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter doesn’t come straight out of the fridge for smooth sauce consistency.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Skip the pre-grated stuff! Grating fresh parmesan not only tastes better but melts beautifully in the sauce.
- Adjust with Pasta Water: Keep some pasta water aside to thin the sauce if needed. A couple of tablespoons go a long way!
How to Serve Garlic Mushroom Pasta?
Presentation is everything! For a visually stunning dish, serve the pasta in a wide bowl or deep dish so the sauce twirls with every ribbon. Add a slice of garlic bread on the side and a crisp green salad drizzled with tangy dressing. Garnish with extra parsley leaves and freshly grated parmesan to finish the look.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 574
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 32g
Make Ahead and Storage
This pasta tastes so good fresh from the pan, but you can make it ahead with a few precautions. If you’re preparing early, leave the pasta slightly undercooked so it doesn’t over-soften when reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. 🍴
When reheating, add a splash of broth or white wine to bring the sauce back to life. Reheat it over low heat to prevent the butter from splitting. Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish since the creamy sauce may separate, but don’t worry, it’s such a crowd-pleaser you probably won’t have leftovers to freeze!
Now that you know how to make this dreamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta, it’s time to tie on that apron and get cooking. 🎉 Whether it’s served on a regular Tuesday or during a special weekend dinner, this recipe is bound to impress!
Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe
There’s nothing better than winding down after a hectic day with a bowl of homemade pasta, especially when it’s bursting with the earthy flavors of garlic and mushrooms. I made this Garlic Mushroom Pasta recently, and it was an instant hit!
Ingredients
- Pasta (e.g., pappardelle or any of your choice)
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Onion
- Cremini mushrooms
- Garlic
- Dijon mustard
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Lemon juice and zest
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Aim for al dente texture so the pasta can absorb the sauce later.
- Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and mushrooms, stirring occasionally. Allow them to cook until all the water has evaporated and the mushrooms turn beautifully golden. This step is key to locking in flavor!
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet, followed by minced garlic and Dijon mustard. Cook for about a minute until fragrant. (This is where your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!)
- Pour in the broth along with freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Simmer for another minute to blend all the flavors together. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan and parsley. Don’t forget a ladle of pasta water to loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Drain the pasta and immediately toss it into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs to coat the pasta ribbons liberally in the creamy mix. Season with salt and pepper, and serve right away. Optional garnish? A sprinkle of extra parmesan and parsley. Enjoy every bite!
Notes
- Don’t Rush the Mushrooms: Sear the mushrooms until golden brown for maximum flavor. Be patient; this step is worth it.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter doesn’t come straight out of the fridge for smooth sauce consistency.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Skip the pre-grated stuff! Grating fresh parmesan not only tastes better but melts beautifully in the sauce.
- Adjust with Pasta Water: Keep some pasta water aside to thin the sauce if needed. A couple of tablespoons go a long way!
