Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly coated pasta, where each bite is a luxurious blend of golden mushrooms, rich cream, and aromatic garlic. This Garlicky Mushroom Cream Pasta is not just a meal—it's a culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a decadent weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to elevate your pasta game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have released their moisture.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the mushrooms. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the mushrooms and garlic.
- Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Once the cream has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlicky mushroom cream sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Once everything is well combined, remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the garlicky mushroom cream pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Mushroom Mastery: Ensure your mushrooms are completely dry before sautéing to achieve that perfect golden-brown color and prevent steaming.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce and can help adjust the consistency if needed.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness.
- Garlic Watch: Add minced garlic towards the end of mushroom cooking to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Heat Control: Simmer the cream sauce on low heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Quick Serving: Serve immediately after combining pasta and sauce to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
