Description
This Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring sautéed cremini mushrooms in a luscious garlic cream sauce with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, served over perfectly cooked linguine pasta. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying meal perfect for mushroom lovers looking for a flavorful, creamy pasta dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Mushroom Sauce
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms (baby Bella), cleaned and sliced as preferred
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (divided into ¾ cup and ¼ cup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (several, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and nicely browned, about 15 minutes.
- Add Dried Thyme: Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mushrooms and sauté for another minute, stirring frequently to combine the flavors.
- Season Mushrooms: Season the mushroom mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch into the ½ cup of milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the mushrooms, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, add ¾ cup of grated parmesan cheese, the chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh thyme sprigs. Stir to combine well.
- Simmer Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. Remove and discard the woody sprigs of thyme from the skillet.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked linguine with the creamy mushroom sauce. Serve the pasta garnished with the remaining ¼ cup parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top.
Notes
- Use fresh cremini mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with a lower-fat cream or half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for optimal melting and flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as the sauce can thicken upon standing.
