This creamy mushroom pasta sauce is legit just the best. It's quick, simple, comes together in less than 30 minutes, and tastes beautiful with a crisp glass of white wine. So let's get to it.
Mushroom pasta with cream sauce is one of my top 'adult meals'. Meaning, no matter how bad of a day I'm having, I make this, and it's so elegant and fancy feeling, I feel like I have my life together. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
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Why You're Going to Love this Recipe
- Quick Fix: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
- Mushroom Magic: A trio of mushrooms brings earthy, savory goodness. P.S. if you want even more umami flavor? Try this miso mushroom pasta. Devine.
- Creamy Comfort: Luxurious cream sauce adds velvety texture.
- Wine Infusion: White wine elevates flavors with a subtle tang.
- Herb Elegance: Thyme adds a sophisticated herbaceous note.
- Cheesy Bliss: Parmesan adds a rich, umami kick to each bite.
- Versatile Feast: Perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.
- Adaptable Richness: Adjust cream and cheese for your taste preference.
- Fresh Finish: Garnish with parsley for a vibrant, aromatic touch.
What Type of Pasta Should I Use?
Almost any kind of pasta will work in this recipe. If you've never tried homemade pappardelle, then you definitely should.
Fettuccine: The broad, flat noodles provide a generous surface for the creamy mushroom sauce to cling to, creating a satisfying bite.
Pappardelle: Similar to fettuccine but wider, pappardelle adds an extra layer of luxury, allowing for an even more substantial and hearty dish.
Tagliatelle: With its long, ribbon-like shape, tagliatelle captures the sauce beautifully, ensuring each strand is coated with the rich mushroom creaminess.
Farfalle (Bowtie): The nooks and crannies of farfalle catch the bits of mushrooms and Parmesan, creating a delightful textural experience.
Orecchiette: The small, cup-like shape of orecchiette captures the creamy sauce, creating little pockets of flavor in every bite.
Picking the Right Wine
Any dry white will do in this recipe, but if you're looking for some suggestions, here you go! And P.S. - if you use it for cooking, it'll be great for pairing as well!
Chardonnay: Its buttery notes complement the richness of the cream sauce, adding a smooth and luxurious flavor to the dish.
Pinot Grigio: With its crisp and light profile, Pinot Grigio brings a refreshing acidity that balances the creaminess of the sauce, creating a harmonious taste.
Sauvignon Blanc: The bright and zesty characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc add a lively and citrusy dimension to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Viognier: This aromatic white wine contributes floral and stone fruit notes, elevating the complexity of the sauce for a more fragrant experience.
Albariño: Known for its bright acidity and minerality, Albariño brings a refreshing quality that pairs well with the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Vermentino: A crisp and dry white wine, Vermentino adds a touch of citrus and herbal notes, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.
Ingredients
Pasta: Acts as a canvas, absorbing the creamy mushroom sauce for a satisfying bite.
Garlic: Infuses a rich, savory flavor, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
Butter: If we're sautéing mushrooms, there better be butter. I don't make the rules.
Shiitake, Cremini, Oyster Mushrooms: A trio of mushrooms brings diverse textures and earthy notes, creating a robust and flavorful combination.
White Wine: Adds acidity and brightness, cutting through the creaminess for a balanced taste.
Thyme: Infuses an herbaceous elegance, complementing the mushrooms and adding depth to the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture, elevating the pasta to a luxurious level.
Parmesan: Adds a salty, umami kick, enriching the flavor profile of the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta Sauce
Cook Pasta, Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Add shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms; cook until tender.
Season the mushroom mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle thyme over the mushrooms, stirring to incorporate.
Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits.
Allow the wine to simmer for 1-2 minutes, reducing slightly.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the parmesan cheese.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy mushroom sauce.
If needed, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Finish with Parmesan:
Sprinkle grated parmesan over the pasta, tossing once more to melt the cheese and create a creamy coating.
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Mushroom Variety: Mix wild mushrooms for complexity; shiitake adds meatiness, cremini richness, and oyster a delicate flavor. But if you have favorites, definitely add them!
- Wine Quality: Use a good-quality white wine you enjoy drinking; it'll enhance the dish's overall flavor.
- Garlic Technique: Control garlic intensity by adjusting mincing; finer mincing results in a milder garlic flavor.
- Pasta Water Magic: Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness, ensuring perfect coating without heaviness.
- Fresh Herbs: Opt for fresh thyme for a vibrant, aromatic touch; add it towards the end for maximum flavor.
- Cheese Grating: Grate parmesan fresh for optimal flavor; pre-grated may lack the same depth.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout; the layers of flavor will develop as you cook.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your creamy mushroom pasta feast with complementary side dishes. A crisp, green salad featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, tenderstem broccoli or Brussels sprouts, bring a savory depth that perfectly complements the earthy mushroom flavors. For a more substantial option, serve the pasta alongside crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the delectable sauce.
More Awesome Pasta Dishes
📖 Recipe
Creamy Mushroom Pasta with White Wine Sauce
Equipment
- pasta pot
- large saucepan
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 C shiitake mushrooms sliced
- 1 C cremini mushrooms sliced
- 1 C oyster mushrooms torn
- ½ C white wine
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 C heavy cream
- ½ C parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to salt your pasta water!
- In a pan, heat olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add sliced shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms; sauté until tender.
- Splash in white wine; let it simmer for a minute.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in heavy cream; stir until well combined and heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan; toss to coat. The residual pasta water on the noodles will help structure the sauce.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan; toss again.
- Serve with a little extra thyme for garnish, as well as more parmesan and black pepper.
Video
Notes
- Experiment with a mix of wild mushrooms for added complexity.
- Adjust cream and parmesan quantities based on your desired richness.
- Freshly grated parmesan enhances the dish's flavor.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Pair with a crisp white wine for a complete dining experience (see above for pairing suggestions!).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; flavors intensify overnight. Enjoy the encore!
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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