Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Few meals are as comforting and inviting as a heaping bowl of aromatic, silky noodles laced with earthy mushrooms and a glorious hit of garlic. This Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe is a personal favorite for good reason: each ingredient comes together in perfect harmony and transforms humble pantry staples into an Italian-inspired feast that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re craving something quick on a busy weeknight or seeking a crowd-pleaser for your next dinner party, this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe will leave everyone swooning—and probably fighting for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe lies in its beautifully straightforward ingredient list. Every component plays an essential role, from creating a luscious sauce to adding bursts of savory flavor and pops of color. Gather these fresh, flavorful ingredients and get ready for a kitchen adventure!
- Pasta (12 ounces spaghetti or linguine): A classic canvas—all those silky strands hold the savory sauce perfectly and twirl like a dream.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and depth, while forming a base for sautéing and infusing flavor into every bite.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a glossy finish and a mellow, decadent flavor—don’t skip it!
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): The hero ingredient in this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe, bringing bold, irresistible fragrance and taste.
- Cremini or button mushrooms (16 ounces, sliced): These add hearty texture and an earthy savoriness that pairs perfectly with pasta.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to bring a subtle tingle of heat—adjust to taste if you love a little kick.
- Dry white wine or vegetable broth (1/2 cup): Wine adds a touch of acidity and lifts all the flavors; broth works beautifully for an alcohol-free version.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Luxurious, salty, and cheesy—essential for a silky, satisfying sauce.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens up the finished dish and adds a fresh, herbal pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Season generously for a pasta that sings with every mouthful.
- Extra Parmesan for serving: Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese on a Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe!
How to Make Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil, drop in your pasta, and cook until it’s just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—the secret to a beautifully cohesive sauce! Set the noodles aside and get ready for the fun part.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a spacious skillet, heat up your olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts and the mix starts to sizzle gently, toss in the minced garlic. Stir and let it perfume the kitchen for about one glorious minute, but keep a close eye—burnt garlic is nobody’s friend!
Step 3: Brown the Mushrooms
Add all those sliced cremini or button mushrooms to the skillet with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Allow them to cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown edges and tender, juicy centers—the flavor will concentrate beautifully right here.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine or Broth
Pour in your white wine or vegetable broth, letting it bubble briskly as you scrape up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the aroma to bloom. This step adds loads of depth to the Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe.
Step 5: Toss Pasta & Finish the Sauce
Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet and start tossing to combine. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and splash in some reserved pasta water, stirring and tossing until you have a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to every strand. Taste and season with salt and black pepper—don’t be shy!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take it off the heat, pile the pasta onto plates, then shower it with chopped fresh parsley and an extra snowfall of Parmesan. Serve immediately and watch everyone practically melt with joy over their plates.
How to Serve Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and a bit more chopped parsley for color, brightness, and a fresh finish. If you’re feeling spicy, add a last sprinkle of red pepper flakes or even a squeeze of fresh lemon zest for zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe with a peppery arugula salad and a basket of warm, crusty bread—perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted asparagus or charred broccolini make lovely green companions, or serve with a simple Caprese salad in summertime.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the pasta high in a shallow bowl, or try swirling individual portions with tongs for restaurant-worthy presentation. You can also twirl nests of pasta and nestle a few extra mushrooms on top for drama. Hosting a party? Serve it family-style straight from the skillet for a “help yourself” vibe everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even more fantastic!
Freezing
For best texture, freeze sauce and pasta separately if possible. If you need to freeze leftovers, make sure they cool completely first. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or extra butter to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Avoid microwaving directly if you can—the stovetop helps keep your Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe luscious and not clumpy.
FAQs
Can I use different mushrooms in this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute shiitake, portobello, or a mix of wild mushrooms for a more complex flavor. Just slice them to a similar size so they cook evenly alongside the pasta.
Is it possible to make this completely vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and omit or swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan cheese for a delicious vegan version of Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe.
What can I use instead of white wine?
Vegetable broth is the perfect substitute and keeps the dish flavorful and rich. You can also try a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
How do I add protein to this dish?
Toss in sautéed chickpeas, white beans, or grilled tofu for a vegetarian boost, or serve with roasted chicken breast or shrimp if you’re not keeping it meatless.
Can I make this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! Cook the pasta and mushrooms in advance, then finish the sauce and assemble just before serving for the freshest results. A little reserved pasta water will help bring everything back together seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that combines pure comfort with unforgettable flavor, this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe absolutely delivers. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it become a new favorite in your home—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Garlic Mushroom Pasta. A simple yet elegant dish that combines al dente pasta with a luscious mushroom sauce, finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Prepare the sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add garlic, cook until fragrant. Add mushrooms and red pepper, cook until browned. Pour in wine, simmer until reduced.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan and reserved pasta water to create a sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- You can add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- For a creamy version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream with the Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
