Name: Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (divided); 2 teaspoons garlic (minced); 16 ounces cremini mushrooms (cleaned and sliced); ½ cup dry white wine; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water); Black pepper (to taste); 1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed); 1 pound fettuccine; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent dish that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe is one of those comfort foods that never fails to impress—rich, garlicky, packed with tender mushrooms, and wrapped in a luscious, cheesy sauce. I absolutely love how it turns out every time, and I’m betting once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can have this creamy mushroom pasta on your table in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Full of Umami Flavor: The combination of cremini mushrooms and white wine adds a depth of savory richness that keeps you coming back for more.
Comforting and Creamy: The silky sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese is downright addictive.
Vegetarian Friendly: It’s a meatless dish that feels hearty and satisfying, even for serious carnivores.

A close-up view of creamy mushroom pasta served in a white bowl. There are two main layers: soft fettuccine noodles coated in a light cream sauce forming the base layer, and tender mushroom slices mixed throughout on top. The mushrooms have a slightly darker brown color and a smooth, cooked texture. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled over the pasta, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Mushroom Pasta, Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe, Easy Mushroom Pasta, Garlic Mushroom Pasta, Vegetarian Mushroom Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe really shines with simple, straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create that creamy, flavorful sauce. When shopping, try to pick fresh mushrooms and a good-quality Parmesan — the little things make a big difference!

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked fettuccine pasta nests neatly arranged, a handful of fresh whole cremini mushrooms sliced to show texture, a few cloves of whole garlic bulbs with some peeled garlic cloves beside them, a square slab of unsalted butter partially sliced, a small white ceramic bowl filled with heavy cream, another small white bowl holding grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of dry white wine with a slight golden tint, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley loosely placed, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly spaced in balanced symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Mushroom Pasta, Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe, Easy Mushroom Pasta, Garlic Mushroom Pasta, Vegetarian Mushroom Pasta

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness better; plus, it adds that luxurious creaminess to the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a fragrant boost—don’t skip it or use pre-minced, which can be a bit dull.
Cremini mushrooms: I love creminis for their deep, earthy flavor and meaty texture. Be sure to clean them gently with a damp cloth instead of soaking.
Dry white wine: This helps deglaze the pan and adds a subtle tang—if you don’t have wine, I’ll share a simple swap in the notes.
Heavy cream: The star of the sauce to make it rich and silky smooth.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds that signature nuttiness.
Fettuccine: Wide noodles are perfect for holding onto this creamy sauce—but feel free to swap for your favorite pasta shape.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce just right.
Black pepper: Freshly ground works best to add a gentle kick.
Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that adds color and a pop of freshness.
Reserved pasta water: This starchy liquid helps loosen the sauce and marry it perfectly with the pasta.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this creamy mushroom pasta recipe as is, but sometimes I like to mix things up based on what’s in my fridge or just to suit the mood. Feel free to experiment, as this dish is pretty forgiving and versatile.

Adding spinach or kale: I toss in some fresh greens during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra hit of color and nutrients.
Using different mushrooms: Shiitakes and portobellos work great too if you want a deeper, earthier flavor.
Swapping cream: For a lighter version, try half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk (though it’ll change the taste slightly).
Going vegan: Swap butter for olive oil, use a plant-based cream, and sprinkle nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan—trust me, it still tastes amazing!

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Mushrooms Until Perfectly Browned

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add your sliced cremini mushrooms. Here’s the trick: don’t rush this step. Let the mushrooms cook slowly for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them soft and deeply browned to bring out their natural sweetness and umami. When they look right, stir in your minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds more—garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it.

Step 2: Deglaze with Wine and Build the Sauce

Pour in the dry white wine and use your spatula to scrape up the lovely browned bits stuck to the pan—those are flavor gold. Let the wine simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it reduces by about half. Then, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, remaining butter, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the butter and cheese melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it gently bubble on low while you tend to the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Finish It Off

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water and set it aside—this helps loosen the sauce later. Once drained, toss the pasta into your skillet with the mushroom sauce. Use tongs to mix everything well, adding reserved pasta water bit by bit until you get that perfect silky sauce clinging to each noodle. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking mushrooms in batches or in a large enough pan to avoid steaming ensures they brown nicely for maximum flavor.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent smooth melting, so fresh is always better.
Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water is a miracle worker for adjusting your sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
Low and Slow Cream Simmer: Heat the cream gently so it thickens without breaking or curdling for the creamiest result.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

A round white plate with a raised dotted edge holds a serving of pasta with mushrooms. The pasta is light brown and tangled in the center of the plate. Several brown mushroom slices are mixed evenly with the pasta. The dish is topped with small green herb pieces and sprinkled with thin white cheese flakes. Around the plate, the surface is a white marbled texture with some whole mushrooms nearby and a small white bowl with white cheese flakes on the left. A striped cloth partially visible on the right side holds a white pan with more of the same mushroom pasta dish inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Mushroom Pasta, Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe, Easy Mushroom Pasta, Garlic Mushroom Pasta, Vegetarian Mushroom Pasta

Garnishes

I always finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce. Sometimes I add an extra dusting of Parmesan right at the table if someone wants it.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or grilled chicken work well on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this creamy mushroom pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on top for a classy touch. A drizzle of truffle oil amps up the indulgence if you want to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit when chilled, but don’t worry—you can easily revive it when reheating.

Freezing

While I prefer fresh, you can freeze the creamy mushroom pasta if needed. Freeze it without parsley garnish in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce back up. Stir often to avoid sticking and keep it creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I make this creamy mushroom pasta without white wine?

Absolutely! If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of vegetable broth mixed with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to keep that slight acidity and depth of flavor.
What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

Cremini mushrooms are fantastic here due to their firm texture and rich flavor. But if you can’t find them, button mushrooms, portobellos, or shiitakes also make great substitutes. Just be sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this creamy mushroom pasta recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it doesn’t include any meat. Just make sure your Parmesan cheese is suitable for vegetarians or use a vegetarian-friendly cheese alternative if needed.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Definitely! Gluten-free fettuccine or any other preferred pasta works well. Just cook according to the package instructions, and keep an eye on the texture so it doesn’t overcook.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

The key is to reduce the heat to low before adding the cream and to keep stirring gently while simmering. Avoid boiling the cream at high heat, which can cause it to separate.

Final Thoughts

This creamy mushroom pasta recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something comforting but still a little special. It strikes the perfect balance between rich and simple, impressive yet quick. If you give it a try, I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for it again — it’s that kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!