Creamy Herb-Infused Mushroom Pasta
A velvety pasta dish with earthy mushrooms and fresh herbs, finished with a whisper of cream for luxurious comfort. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, cremini mushrooms, medium shallot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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 cremini mushrooms
- 1 medium shallot
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain while reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz thinly sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and moisture evaporates.
- Step 3: Add 1 finely minced shallot and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tsp chopped thyme, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats every strand. Stir in 3 tbsp chopped parsley and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Herb-Infused 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 Herb-Infused 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 Herb-Infused 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 Herb-Infused 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.
What goes well with Creamy Herb-Infused Mushroom Pasta?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
