Best-Ever Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A luxurious, velvety pasta dish with earthy mushrooms and sharp Parmesan, ready in 40 minutes with minimal ingredients. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs pasta, mushrooms, shallot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, slice mushrooms into 1/4-inch thick slices and finely chop shallot. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add mushrooms and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and all liquid evaporated.
  3. Step 3: Stir in chopped shallot and cook for 2 minutes until softened and translucent, then add 1 tsp fresh thyme and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, pour in 1 cup heavy cream, and whisk constantly until sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth, then add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water 1-2 tbsp at a time until sauce coats the pasta evenly and creamy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best-Ever Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best-Ever Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Ever Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best-Ever Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best-Ever Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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