This creamy mushroom pasta brings together earthy, flavorful mushrooms with a rich, velvety sauce that coats each strand of pasta perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet balanced, with a touch of brightness from fresh herbs and lemon zest. Whether you’re preparing a comforting meal for yourself or entertaining guests, this creamy mushroom pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. The combination of mushrooms, garlic, herbs, wine, and cream creates a luxurious sauce, while the addition of parmesan and olives gives it depth and complexity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy

The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and parmesan, is smooth and velvety, creating the perfect base for the earthy mushrooms and pasta.

2. Herbaceous and Flavorful

Fresh thyme, rosemary, and garlic elevate the sauce, giving it a fragrant, herbal flavor that complements the richness of the cream and mushrooms.

3. Customizable Ingredients

You can swap in different mushrooms, omit the olives, or adjust the herbs to suit your preferences. This recipe is flexible to suit your tastes.

4. Simple Yet Elegant

While it’s easy to make, this dish has the elegance and depth of a fine restaurant meal. It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

5. Pasta Perfection

The pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors of the creamy sauce, while the olives add a salty, briny bite that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dish.

Ingredients

Dried pasta (200 grams) or fresh pasta (300 grams)
Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
Butter (1 tablespoon)
Mushrooms, sliced (300 grams)
Garlic cloves, finely chopped (4)
Fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped (1 tablespoon)
Fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped (1 tablespoon)
White wine (1/2 cup)
Cream (3/4 cup)
Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon) and lemon zest (for serving)
Parmesan cheese, finely grated (50 grams)
Flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
Kalamata olives, optional (1/2 cup, heaped)
Salt to taste

Variations

Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage to turn this dish into a hearty main course.
Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based cream alternative and skip the parmesan to create a vegan version of this creamy mushroom pasta.
Add Vegetables: Add spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Cheese Swap: Substitute parmesan with pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor.
Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of well-salted water according to the package directions. Once the pasta is al dente, reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and toss them in the oil and butter. Let the mushrooms brown for 5-7 minutes without stirring too much to allow them to develop a golden crust.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Reduce the heat slightly and add the finely chopped garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan. Cook for about a minute, but don’t let the garlic brown. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Add Wine and Cream

Pour in the white wine and let it bubble for about 3 minutes until the wine has reduced slightly. Then, add the cream and stir well. Keep the heat on a gentle simmer to prevent the sauce from boiling.

Step 5: Add Parmesan

Move the mushrooms to one side of the pan, and add the parmesan cheese in 2-3 small batches, mixing after each addition until the cheese has melted into the sauce.

Step 6: Add Lemon and Pepper

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and black pepper, and whisk quickly to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remember, the sauce will thicken more as it cools, so keep it a little saucy at this stage.

Step 7: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Add the optional olives and toss them through the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve the pasta with extra parmesan, a zest of lemon, and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing the mushrooms, leave them alone to brown properly. Toss them in the oil and butter, then allow them to cook undisturbed for several minutes before turning them.
Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! It can help loosen the sauce and make it creamier as it combines with the pasta.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add more pasta water, a splash at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Herb Freshness: For the best flavor, use fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, but if you’re in a pinch, dried herbs will work too. Just adjust the quantities.
Simmer Gently: Be sure to keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding the cream to avoid curdling.

How to Serve

This creamy mushroom pasta is best served immediately while it’s fresh and hot. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. For extra flavor, top it with more parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it cools.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Yes, you can use white button mushrooms, portobello, or any other mushroom variety you prefer. Just make sure they are sliced thick enough to maintain texture during cooking.

2. Can I substitute the white wine?

If you don’t want to use wine, substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.

3. Can I use frozen mushrooms?

Fresh mushrooms are best for this recipe, but if you must use frozen, thaw and drain them before cooking.

4. Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this creamy mushroom pasta is vegetarian, but it’s not vegan due to the cream and cheese.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can make the sauce in advance, then cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve. However, it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

6. How do I avoid overcooking the pasta?

Undercook the pasta by about a minute, as it will cook further in the sauce. This ensures it doesn’t become mushy.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add spinach, peas, or any other vegetables that you like to the sauce.

8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a non-dairy cream alternative and a dairy-free parmesan for a vegan version of this creamy pasta.

9. Can I freeze this pasta?

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge. Freezing can alter the texture of the cream and pasta.

10. What other herbs can I use in this recipe?

Try adding basil, oregano, or sage for a different herb profile depending on your taste preferences.

Conclusion

Best creamy mushroom pasta is a perfect balance of richness, flavor, and freshness. The creamy sauce made with fresh herbs, wine, and parmesan brings a depth of flavor that elevates the mushrooms and pasta to new heights. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this creamy mushroom pasta is sure to be a hit.