Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a luscious cream sauce and earthy mushrooms. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion and can be made in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 12 oz mushrooms (sliced, such as cremini or button)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Timing

Making Creamy Mushroom Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom Sauce

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

1. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
2. Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushroom sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve the creamy mushroom pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Creamy Mushroom Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	12g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add Protein: Include cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for added protein.
• Use Different Mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, for varied flavors.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the rich flavors of mushrooms and cream. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for any pasta lover. Enjoy this delightful recipe!