If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe. Combining tender linguine, earthy cremini mushrooms, rich cream, and a touch of garlic and thyme, this pasta is incredibly comforting yet elegantly simple. It’s a perfect way to showcase how a few everyday ingredients can come together to create a luscious, flavor-packed meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or something special to share with friends, this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe never fails to satisfy with its silky sauce and deeply savory notes.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe right hinges on a few simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own magic. From the meaty mushrooms to the creamy cheese, every element contributes layers of flavor, texture, and color to make this dish shine.

8 ounces linguine pasta: Provides the perfect sturdy base that holds the sauce beautifully.
16 ounces cremini mushrooms (baby Bella): Their rich, earthy flavor forms the heart of the dish.
4 tablespoons butter: Adds a velvety richness that builds the sauce’s luxurious texture.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook the mushrooms evenly without frying them too hard.
3 to 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory punch.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an herbaceous warmth that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds just a subtle hint of heat and depth.
½ cup milk: Lightens the sauce while keeping it creamy.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: The secret to that irresistibly silky, indulgent sauce.
1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (divided): Gives a nutty, salty tang that ties all the flavors together.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (roughly chopped): Brings a fresh pop of color and brightness.
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle, smoky warmth if you like a little kick.
Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): Used for added aroma and visual appeal in the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your linguine according to the package instructions. Cooking the pasta to al dente is key because it will continue to absorb the creamy sauce later. Drain and set it aside, but don’t rinse — we want all that natural starch to help the sauce cling beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. When it’s hot and shimmering, add your sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook them gently for about 15 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn a gorgeous golden brown, and the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Add Flavor with Thyme and Seasoning

Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mushrooms, stirring for about a minute to let the herb infuse its flavor. Season everything with salt and pepper to brighten the earthiness of the mushrooms and prepare the base for your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce Base

Whisk the cornstarch into the milk until fully dissolved to create a smooth mixture. Pour this into the skillet and stir until the sauce starts to thicken and coat the mushrooms luxuriously.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Add the heavy whipping cream, ¾ cup of grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and fresh thyme sprigs for added depth. Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently stir until the cheese melts into a silky, creamy sauce. Don’t forget to fish out the woody thyme sprigs before serving.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet, ensuring every strand is coated with that rich mushroom cream sauce. This is where the magic happens — the pasta soaks up those flavors, turning each bite creamy, earthy, and utterly satisfying.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of the remaining ¼ cup parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top brings the dish to life visually and elevates every mouthful with a hit of fresh brightness and cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra thyme sprigs can complement the flavor and add a lovely rustic touch.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness, or some garlic bread for dipping into every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also make beautiful, hearty companions that add a fresh contrast in texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and drizzle with a little truffle oil to amplify that mushroom aroma. Alternatively, serve it as a bed for pan-seared chicken or shrimp to boost protein and create a show-stopping entrée everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it cools, but a quick stir and gentle reheat will bring it right back to silky perfection.

Freezing

Although creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze well, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months if needed. To help the sauce maintain its texture, avoid storing the pasta tossed in the sauce long-term; instead, freeze the sauce and cooked pasta separately and combine after thawing.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. This keeps it creamy and prevents the sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which might alter the luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms in this Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms bring wonderful flavor and texture, you can mix in shiitake, portobello, or button mushrooms to diversify the taste. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly depending on the variety.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For the parmesan, nutritional yeast offers a nice cheesy flavor, though the texture will be a bit different but still delicious.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or reduce the cream a bit by simmering it longer. For a thinner sauce, add more milk gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out regular linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions to get the perfect al dente texture.

What can I add to boost the protein in this pasta?

Adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes makes this dish a complete meal with extra protein. Stir the protein in at the end to warm through without overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a secret weapon in your cookbook. It’s elegant yet accessible, bursting with deep flavors and a velvety sauce that hugs every bite. I hope you give it a try soon and discover just how effortlessly satisfying homemade pasta can be!

Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 90 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and creamy mushroom pasta featuring tender cremini mushrooms simmered in a luscious cream sauce infused with garlic, thyme, and Parmesan cheese, served over perfectly boiled linguine. This comforting dish offers a balanced blend of earthy flavors and creamy texture, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces linguine pasta

Mushroom Sauce

16 ounces cremini mushrooms (baby Bella), cleaned gently and sliced
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese (divided into ¾ cup and ¼ cup)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Several sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat fats: In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Cook mushrooms and garlic: Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned, about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Add thyme: Sprinkle dried thyme over the mushrooms and cook for about one minute, stirring frequently to combine flavors.
Season: Season the mushroom mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Thicken with cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch into the ½ cup of milk until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the mushrooms and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, roughly chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes if using, and fresh thyme sprigs. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir continuously until the cheese completely melts and the sauce is creamy. Remove wooden thyme sprigs.
Combine and serve: Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet to coat with the creamy mushroom sauce. Serve topped with the remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley as garnish for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

Notes

Use fresh cremini mushrooms for the best texture and earthy flavor.
Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder sauce.
Be careful not to burn the garlic while cooking with mushrooms to avoid bitterness.
Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little more milk or cream if too thick.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
Fresh herbs enhance flavor but are optional; dried thyme works well in this recipe.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian