Hidden Files' Creamy Mushroom Pasta

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

A velvety pasta dish where hidden mushrooms reveal their earthy depth in a garlic-herb sauce, perfect for cozy dinners. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs pasta, cremini mushrooms, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, slice 8 oz cremini mushrooms into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer gently for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats every strand and becomes glossy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Files' Creamy Mushroom Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Hidden Files' Creamy 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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Files' Creamy 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 Hidden Files' Creamy 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 Hidden Files' Creamy 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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