Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe: A Simple, Flavorful Comfort Dish

Get the step-by-step instructions and ingredients to make the most flavorful garlic mushroom pasta below!

Looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to make?

This Garlic Mushroom Pasta delivers with its combination of earthy mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Tossed in a buttery, light sauce, it’s indulgent enough for special occasions yet quick enough for weeknights.

This recipe became a favorite in my kitchen as a way to use up leftover mushrooms, and now it’s a go-to for effortless, flavorful dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe

This Garlic Mushroom Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Here’s why it will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for busy evenings or last-minute meals.
• Rich and Savory: The combination of garlic, mushrooms, and butter creates a sauce that’s irresistibly flavorful.
• Customizable: Pair it with proteins like chicken or shrimp, or keep it vegetarian as-is.
• Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

Whether it’s a solo dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe hits the mark every time.

Garlic Mushroom Pasta Ingredients Breakdown

High-quality, simple ingredients are the heart of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work best, but shorter shapes like penne can also hold the sauce well.
• Mushrooms: Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms all work beautifully. Thinly slice them for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for its aromatic depth.
• Butter and Olive Oil: The combination ensures richness while preventing the butter from burning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds umami and ties the dish together.
• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and a fresh balance to the rich sauce.
• Optional Add-Ins: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of white wine for acidity can enhance the dish.

How to Make Garlic Mushroom Pasta

This recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious. Follow these steps for pasta perfection:

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes. Stir and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until they’re golden and tender.

3. Add the Garlic

Lower the heat slightly and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Create the Sauce

Deglaze the skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water (or white wine if using) to loosen any browned bits. Stir to combine, then add another pat of butter for a silky finish.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the mushroom-garlic mixture. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix well. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Storage and Reheating

Here’s how to store and reheat leftovers (if there are any):

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as mushrooms and pasta can lose their texture when thawed.

Variations to Try

This Garlic Mushroom Pasta is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

1. Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier meal.
2. Boost Veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or peas for extra nutrients and color.
3. Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone for a richer sauce.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
5. Swap the Herbs: Try fresh thyme or chives for a different flavor profile.

Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for a richer sauce)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté mushrooms: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook mushrooms undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, then stir and cook for another 3–4 minutes until browned and tender.
3. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce: Add pasta water (or white wine) to deglaze the pan. Stir in heavy cream, if using, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Mushroom Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.

With its rich, savory sauce and tender mushrooms, this dish is perfect for both casual weeknights and elegant dinners.

Serve it with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal. Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!