Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta in 25 Minutes

If you’re craving a comforting, indulgent dinner that comes together quickly, this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta in 25 Minutes is your new go-to. Imagine perfectly cooked fettuccine coated in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, studded with tender, earthy mushrooms, and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and decadence, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat. Plus, it’s packed with flavor yet incredibly easy to make, delivering that restaurant-quality feel right at home.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Speedy and simple: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into any hectic schedule.
• Rich and creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of fettuccine.
• Earthy mushroom flavor: Sautéed mushrooms add a deep, rich umami that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary.
• Versatile: This pasta can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite protein or side, like Chicken Asparagus Mushroom Pasta for a heartier meal.
• Minimal ingredients: Using pantry staples and fresh ingredients, it’s a recipe that anyone can whip up without much fuss.

Ingredient List

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your favorite variety)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot – for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan – to cook mushrooms and make the sauce
• Colander – for draining pasta
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring
• Chef’s knife and cutting board – to prep garlic, mushrooms, and parsley
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient amounts

The Method for Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta in 25 Minutes

Step 1: Cook the fettuccine

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta using a colander.

Step 2: Sauté the mushrooms

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Add garlic and build the sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the mushrooms, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Incorporate Parmesan and season

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine pasta and sauce

Add the drained fettuccine directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure every strand is coated in that creamy garlic mushroom goodness. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, paired beautifully with a side like Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes for a complete meal.

Adaptations for Special Diets

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Lower fat: Swap heavy cream for a light cream or half-and-half, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich.
• Dairy-free: Substitute Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-free: Replace fettuccine with gluten-free pasta of your choice.

Pro Tips & Notes

• Use a mix of mushroom varieties to deepen the umami flavor—cremini, shiitake, or portobello work wonderfully.
• Don’t skip reserving pasta water; the starchy water helps the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.
• Grate your Parmesan fresh for the best melting and flavor results.
• For extra texture, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving.
• Leftover pasta can be reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta in 25 Minutes is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet with a little broth or cream to restore creaminess. Note that the texture of the mushrooms might change slightly after freezing.

Handy Q&A

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is ideal because of its wide noodles that hold the sauce well, you can use linguine, spaghetti, or even penne if you prefer. Adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, use a plant-based cheese alternative instead of Parmesan, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will give you a creamy, flavorful vegan version of the pasta.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter (about ¾ cup milk + ¼ cup melted butter) to mimic the richness of heavy cream. The sauce will be lighter but still delicious.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Yes! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu can turn this dish into a more substantial meal. You might also enjoy it alongside Chicken Asparagus Mushroom Pasta for a protein-packed dinner option.

More from the Kitchen

• Chicken Asparagus Mushroom Pasta – A hearty and flavorful pasta dish with fresh vegetables and tender chicken.
• Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes – Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, these potatoes make a fantastic side.

Next Steps

Ready to whip up this creamy, dreamy dish? Gather your ingredients and start boiling that pasta. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta in 25 Minutes delivers on flavor and comfort without the fuss. Don’t forget to explore other simple yet delicious recipes to expand your dinner repertoire and keep mealtime exciting. Enjoy the magic of a homemade Italian-inspired feast any day of the week!

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