Forest Mushroom Pasta with Cream Sauce

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

Earthy forest mushrooms simmered in a rich cream sauce with fresh thyme, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes blends spaghetti, olive oil, medium, finely diced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced mixed forest mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until they release their liquid and begin to brown.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and simmer for 2 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Forest Mushroom Pasta with Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Forest Mushroom Pasta with Cream Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Forest Mushroom Pasta with Cream Sauce?

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 Forest Mushroom Pasta with Cream Sauce 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 Forest Mushroom Pasta with Cream Sauce?

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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