Indulge in this creamy garlic butter mushroom pasta that's quick, easy, and packed with flavor! With just a few simple ingredients like fresh mushrooms, garlic, and rich cream, you can whip up a delicious dinner in no time. Perfect for pasta lovers, this dish is sure to impress!
8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
2 cups mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and black pepper to taste
![- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 2 cups mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 cup vegetable broth - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Fresh parsley for garnish - Salt and black pepper to taste - Different types of pasta (e.g., penne, linguine) - Additional herbs (e.g., basil, oregano) - Extra protein (e.g., chicken, shrimp) When I make Garlic Butter Mushroom Pasta, I love using simple and fresh ingredients. You can choose fettuccine or spaghetti for a classic base. The mushrooms bring a rich flavor. I prefer cremini or button mushrooms. They add a nice texture that pairs well with the creamy sauce. Butter is key in this dish. It gives the sauce that rich, savory taste. I always use unsalted butter, so I can control the saltiness. Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. Don't forget the red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. The thyme gives a lovely earthiness that complements the mushrooms. The vegetable broth adds depth to the sauce. Heavy cream is what makes this dish truly dreamy. If you like cheese, adding Parmesan on top is a great choice. It melts beautifully and adds a salty kick. For those who want to switch things up, try different pasta shapes or add fresh herbs. You can even add protein like chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. This recipe is versatile, letting you customize it to your taste. You can find the full recipe for Garlic Butter Mushroom Pasta in the next section. - First, boil salted water in a large pot. - Add 8 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook until al dente. - Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside. - In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. - Add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms. Cook until they are browned and tender. - Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape the bottom to lift up flavor. - Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir and let it simmer. - Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Mix well to coat every strand. - If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water for desired consistency. - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss again before serving. - Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. This recipe is simple, yet full of flavor. It makes a delightful meal for any day. For the full recipe, check the detailed ingredients and steps. To get perfectly al dente pasta, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil before adding your fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook it just until it’s firm to the bite. This should usually take about 8 to 10 minutes. Always check the package for exact times. After cooking, remember to reserve some pasta water. This helps adjust the sauce later. When sautéing mushrooms, heat your skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and add the sliced mushrooms. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. This step brings out their rich flavor. To add more depth to your sauce, consider using fresh herbs. Fresh parsley or thyme can really brighten the dish. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for acidity. If you prefer dried herbs, use them early in the cooking. They need time to release their flavor. For deeper taste, try adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the mushrooms. Let it simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol. This adds a lovely complexity. Timing is key to keeping everything fresh. Start boiling your water while you slice the mushrooms. This way, you can cook the pasta and mushrooms almost at the same time. Keep an eye on both to avoid overcooking. If you're multitasking, gather all your ingredients first. This makes it easier to focus on cooking. Prepare your garlic and spices while the pasta cooks. This way, you can add them right after the mushrooms. Following this method will help you serve the meal hot and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish meat-free. You can substitute mushrooms with other vegetables. Spinach and zucchini work well. They add nice texture and flavor. If you want a vegan version, use vegan butter. You can also swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps the creaminess without dairy. If you want a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp. Both pair well with the garlic butter flavor. For plant-based options, consider chickpeas or tofu. They soak up the sauce nicely and boost protein. To change the taste, add different spices. Lemon zest brightens the dish, while smoked paprika adds depth. You can also get creative with sun-dried tomatoes. They add a sweet yet tangy twist that elevates the dish. For even more flavor, try fresh herbs like basil or oregano. These add freshness and richness. Check out the [Full Recipe] to see how these variations can inspire your cooking! To store leftover Garlic Butter Mushroom Pasta, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Before eating again, check for any strange smell or color. If you want to freeze the pasta, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat without losing texture, thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming. To reheat your pasta, use the stove or microwave. On the stove, add a splash of water or broth. Stir it often until heated through. For the microwave, cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To restore creaminess after freezing, add a little cream or butter while reheating. This will help bring back that lovely texture. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta! I recommend brands like Barilla or Banza. They have great taste and texture. Cook them just like regular pasta. Make sure to check the package for cooking times. To add spice, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh chili or hot sauce. For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements it well. Roasted vegetables also make a great side. You could even serve some grilled chicken for extra protein. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce, then store them separately. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. To reheat, warm the sauce on low heat and add the pasta. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. If you want a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These options still give a rich texture without the heavy cream. In this blog post, I covered how to make Garlic Butter Mushroom Pasta. I shared essential ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions to help create a delicious dish. You can customize it with various pasta types, herbs, and proteins. In closing, this meal is quick, tasty, and flexible for different diets. Enjoy making it your own!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/3153c1ea-7893-404d-8d7f-5b763ecffd7f-250x250.webp)