Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Mushroom Pasta
A rich, umami-packed pasta dish with earthy mushrooms and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, finished with a velvety parmesan cream that clings to perfectly al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, large, finely diced shallot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 780 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large, finely diced shallot
- 8 oz, sliced 1/4 inch thick cremini mushrooms
- 3 tbsp, drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (use 4 tsp salt). Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely diced shallot and cook for 3 minutes until translucent, then add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 6 minutes until golden brown and moisture evaporates.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp drained chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant — do not brown the garlic.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir until simmering, then add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss vigorously for 1 minute. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan until melted and creamy. Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil and toss again.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with additional parmesan and basil for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato 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 Sun-Dried Tomato 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 Sun-Dried Tomato 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 Sun-Dried Tomato 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 Sun-Dried Tomato 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
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.