If you’re craving a dish that is both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Mushroom Pasta is an absolute winner. It takes simple ingredients like earthy mushrooms and fragrant garlic, then transforms them into a silky, savory sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this Garlic Mushroom Pasta will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.

Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender pasta to the creamy sauce enriched by Parmesan, these basics come together effortlessly but harmoniously.

12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti): The perfect canvas to soak up all that garlicky mushroom goodness.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps to bring out the flavor of garlic and mushrooms beautifully.
4 cloves garlic, minced: This is where the bold, aromatic magic begins.
1 pound mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button mushrooms): The star ingredient that delivers a hearty, meaty texture.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick to lift the dish if you enjoy just a touch of heat.
Salt, to taste: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the dish.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a bit of warming spice and depth.
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth: Creates a luscious base for the sauce, making it more flavorful without heaviness.
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamier sauce): Enriches the sauce for those who love a velvety finish.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving: Brings a delightful salty, nutty kick that pulls everything together.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and pretty color to the final dish.

How to Make Garlic Mushroom Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is key to well-seasoned pasta. Add your chosen pasta and cook it until al dente according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water comes in handy to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta is bubbling away, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can add bitterness that overpowers the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms Until Golden

Next, toss the sliced mushrooms into the skillet with the garlic. Let them cook undisturbed for several minutes until they’ve released their moisture and started turning a beautiful golden brown. This step brings out the rich, concentrated flavor mushrooms are known for. Season them generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural earthiness.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth and stir, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for about three minutes. This helps reduce the liquid slightly, concentrating the flavors and creating a light sauce base that perfectly complements the mushrooms.

Step 5: Stir in Cream for Extra Richness

If you prefer a creamier Garlic Mushroom Pasta, now is the time to add the heavy cream. Stir it in and let it cook for another two to three minutes, letting the sauce thicken and become luxuriously smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed; this is your chance to balance those flavors to your liking.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with your mushroom sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is perfectly coated. If the sauce feels a bit thick, splash in reserved pasta water a little at a time—this will loosen it just right without watering down the flavor.

Step 7: Finish with Parmesan Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds a lovely salty tang and helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating that irresistible creamy texture.

Step 8: Serve Warm with Fresh Garnish

Dish out the pasta while it’s hot, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. This simple garnish adds a fresh brightness and visual appeal that make the meal feel special.

How to Serve Garlic Mushroom Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch that brings a burst of color and freshness contrasting the rich sauce. You can also sprinkle additional Parmesan or add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an elevated presentation. A few cracked black peppercorns over the top add subtle texture and visual appeal too.

Side Dishes

Garlic Mushroom Pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads tossed in tangy vinaigrettes or simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate and garnish with delicate herb sprigs. For a family-style meal, serve the pasta in a large rustic bowl so everyone can dig in together, creating a warm, communal vibe. Add toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of lemon for unexpected texture and brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers of this Garlic Mushroom Pasta, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as good—if not better—the next day.

Freezing

While fresh is best for Garlic Mushroom Pasta, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of cooked mushrooms may soften slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water, broth, or cream to restore the sauce’s luscious consistency. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and prevent the sauce from sticking or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms in Garlic Mushroom Pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix cremini, button, portobello, or shiitake mushrooms for varied texture and flavor. Just slice them evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, skip the heavy cream or substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative for that cheesy flavor.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and sauté the garlic just until fragrant and golden, about one minute. Moving quickly once you add the garlic and stirring constantly helps avoid burning.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! Spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work well with this sauce. Choose your favorite shape to suit your mood or what you have on hand.

What wine pairs well with Garlic Mushroom Pasta?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the earthiness of the mushrooms and the garlic’s aroma beautifully. For red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir is an excellent pairing.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Mushroom Pasta is one of those dishes that feels fantastic to make and even better to eat. The combination of garlic’s bold fragrance, mushrooms’ hearty bite, and the creaminess of the sauce is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, have some fun in the kitchen, and treat yourself to this comforting classic—you won’t regret it!

Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and flavorful Garlic Mushroom Pasta recipe featuring sautéed mushrooms and garlic in a savory sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with an optional creamy twist.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they have released their moisture and are browned. Season with salt and black pepper.
Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add Cream (Optional): If you want a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. If it looks dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
Add Cheese: Remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well to combine.
Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and achieve perfect texture.
You can use vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegetarian.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit altogether for a milder dish.
For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
Fresh mushrooms provide the best flavor, but dried can be used if rehydrated properly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: garlic mushroom pasta, mushroom pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, creamy mushroom sauce