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Quick and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Pasta

A close-up of creamy fettuccine mushroom pasta topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

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Make this rich, comforting pasta featuring earthy mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe comes together fast, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 pound cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their liquid and start to brown.
  4. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Stir in half of the fresh parsley.
  9. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and the remaining fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a Tuscan flair, add 1/2 cup of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last minute of cooking until wilted.
  • Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in your creamy sauce.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute half of the broth with half-and-half.

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