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This creamy mushroom pasta recipe is a comforting and elegant vegetarian meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Its charm lies in its simplicity—earthy cremini mushrooms are deeply savory, enhanced by garlic, white wine, and Dijon mustard for an umami-rich, velvety sauce.
Heavy cream gives it a luxurious texture, while lemon juice adds a balancing brightness.
Nutritionally, this dish offers a moderate protein boost (11g per serving) and is a great plant-forward option for reducing meat intake without sacrificing flavor.
Mushrooms are naturally low in calories and fat, yet high in potassium and antioxidants.
With only 2g of fiber, you can easily pair it with a green side salad or whole-grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
Ready in 30 minutes and made with common pantry staples, this recipe is ideal for weeknight cooking.
It’s also easy to scale and meal-prep friendly—simply store the sauce separately and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
All-Clad Stainless Steel Skillet (12-Inch)
Perfect for evenly sautéing mushrooms without hot spots, this pan ensures deep caramelization and flavor development. Its durable build makes it a go-to for everything from stir-fries to pan sauces.
Cuisinart 3-Quart Saucepan with Lid
Ideal for simmering the creamy wine sauce, this saucepan provides excellent heat control. A staple for any home cook, it’s also great for making soups, reductions, and reheating leftovers.
Microplane Premium Zester/Grater
Effortlessly grates parmesan or lemon zest for garnish and added brightness. A must-have for adding fine texture and enhancing flavor in pastas, salads, and baked goods.
OXO Good Grips Garlic Press
Efficiently minces garlic without sticky fingers, which speeds up prep and boosts the depth of flavor in this dish. A daily-use essential for garlic lovers.
KitchenAid Pasta Fork (Nylon)
This sturdy tool makes lifting and mixing long pasta with creamy sauces mess-free. Its heat-resistant design protects nonstick pans and is perfect for any noodle-based dish.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Equipment
- 1 × Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 × 12-inch skillet or sauté pan
- 1 × Mixing spoon or silicone spatula
- 1 × Garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
- 1 × Measuring spoons
- 1 × Microplane or cheese grater
- 1 × Colander (for draining pasta)
- 1 × Pasta fork or tongs
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine uncooked
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- ⅓ cup dry white wine
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese optional for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta to Al Dente: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a small cup of pasta water (optional), then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic, stirring often. Cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the mushrooms have released their moisture and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce Base: Transfer the mushrooms to a plate and return the pan to the heat. Pour in the white wine and stir in the Italian seasoning, lemon juice, flour, and Dijon mustard. Whisk gently to create a smooth, fragrant base.
- Simmer the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and slowly add the heavy cream to the pan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Combine Mushrooms and Sauce: Return the sautéed mushrooms to the pan and stir to coat them in the sauce. Let everything cook together for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta and Finish the Dish: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir in chopped parsley and top with freshly grated parmesan, if using.
Notes
- Pasta Choices: Fettuccine and linguine are ideal, but spaghetti or tagliatelle also work well for this creamy sauce.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of low-sodium vegetable broth plus a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
- Creamy Texture Tip: Avoid boiling the cream; gentle simmering ensures a smooth sauce without separating.
- Add Protein: Want to boost the protein? Stir in grilled chicken strips, shrimp, or chickpeas near the end.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
Chef’s Secrets for Rich Flavor
The secret to achieving a deeply flavorful creamy mushroom pasta lies in properly browning the mushrooms.
Don’t rush this step—give them time in the skillet to release their moisture and develop a rich, golden color.
This caramelization brings out their natural umami and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
Adding a splash of dry white wine and Dijon mustard infuses the sauce with a subtle sharpness that balances the richness of the cream.
Use freshly grated parmesan for better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, and always salt the pasta water well—it should taste like the sea—to season the noodles from the inside out.
For an even silkier sauce, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water at the end.
Serving Ideas and Pairing Suggestions
This creamy mushroom pasta makes a satisfying stand-alone meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions.
Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or add roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for color and nutrition.
For a heartier plate, pair it with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the extra sauce.
If you’re entertaining, consider topping each portion with a drizzle of truffle oil or extra parmesan shavings for a restaurant-quality touch.
A glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, complements the creamy, earthy notes perfectly.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To store leftover pasta, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because cream-based sauces can thicken as they sit, add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to help loosen the texture.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat while stirring, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate or become grainy after thawing.
If you plan to meal prep, consider storing the pasta and sauce separately and combining just before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms offer a deep, earthy flavor, white button, shiitake, or a mix of wild mushrooms can add unique textures and flavors. Just be sure to slice them evenly and cook until the liquid evaporates.
Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to wine?
Yes. You can replace the white wine with low-sodium vegetable broth and add a splash of white wine vinegar or extra lemon juice to replicate the acidity wine provides.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount) to thicken the sauce.
What’s the best pasta type to use?
Fettuccine and linguine are ideal because their flat shape holds the creamy sauce well. However, short pasta like penne or rigatoni also work if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I make it lighter?
To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and thick, but still delicious. You can also reduce the butter or omit the cheese topping.
This recipe is inspired by saltandlavender and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.