Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz button mushrooms
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and thyme if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
