Mushroom and Garlic Pasta
A simple, aromatic pasta dish featuring halved mushrooms sautéed with garlic and fresh herbs. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs Penne pasta, Mushrooms, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 8 oz Penne pasta
- 8 oz Mushrooms
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, halve 8 oz mushrooms (about 2 cups) and mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add halved mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Step 5: Add drained penne pasta to the skillet, then toss with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 6: Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta strands evenly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mushroom and Garlic Pasta 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 Mushroom and Garlic 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mushroom and Garlic 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 Mushroom and Garlic 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 Mushroom and Garlic 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.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
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