Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta

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

A rich and comforting dish featuring tender mushrooms, garlic, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce tossed with al dente pasta. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, button mushrooms, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz button mushrooms, cut into 1/4-inch slices, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, then stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix until well coated.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and thyme if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta 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 Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta?

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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta?

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 Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta 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.

Is Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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