Johnson's Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan
A velvety pasta dish with earthy mushrooms, garlic, and a touch of cream that coats every strand perfectly. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, butter, sliced mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 penne pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Melt 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden and tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add drained penne to the skillet along with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until creamy and coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Johnson's Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan?
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 Johnson's Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan 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 Johnson's Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Parmesan?
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
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.