If you adore pasta that feels like a comforting hug on a Friday night, then you are in for such a treat with this Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti Recipe. Imagine tender spaghetti noodles coated in a rich, velvety sauce brought to life by earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a splash of white wine. It’s an elegant yet surprisingly simple dish that quickly becomes a weeknight favorite or a dinner party showstopper. Every bite bursts with warmth, creaminess, and just the right amount of fresh herbs, making this recipe a must-have in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the savory mushrooms to the creamy Parmesan, these essentials elevate simple pasta into something extraordinary.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Choose a good-quality long pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sauté the mushrooms perfectly.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Boosts the sauce’s silkiness and gives depth to the mushrooms.
- 1 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced: Cremini, button, or mixed wild mushrooms offer a wonderful earthy complexity.
- 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and a gentle bite to the flavor base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic punch that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or broth: Adds acidity and lifts the sauce’s flavor without overpowering.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The cornerstone of that luscious, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For that salty, umami goodness that ties everything together.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Imparts a woodsy, herbal note that pairs beautifully with mushrooms.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor.
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice: A bright finish that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water: Helps loosen the sauce and bind it to the spaghetti beautifully.
- Optional: 2 tbsp mascarpone or cream cheese: For an even creamier, richer sauce if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Salt is essential here—it seasons the pasta from within and enhances its natural flavor. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the pasta water and set it aside for later. Do not rinse the pasta; keeping that starchy water reserved allows you to loosen the sauce perfectly in the final steps.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
While the pasta is working its magic, heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in an even layer and resist the urge to stir right away—let them brown nicely on one side for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then toss and continue cooking until golden and most of their moisture has evaporated, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. This creates a deep, caramelized flavor that’s essential in our creamy mushroom spaghetti recipe.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion or shallots to the mushrooms. Sauté until soft and translucent, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 to 60 seconds just until fragrant. This step layers in sweet and pungent aromatics that make the sauce irresistible.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the white wine or broth and carefully scrape the bottom of the pan to release those delicious browned bits. Let the liquid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by about half. This deglazing step adds bright acidity and concentrates the flavors making your sauce complex yet balanced.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Bring it to a gentle simmer, being careful not to boil rapidly. Let it thicken slightly over 3 to 5 minutes. Then add Parmesan cheese and stir smoothly until melted in. If you want an extra creamy touch, fold in mascarpone or cream cheese now. Taste and finish seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to give that sauce a lively edge.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti directly to your skillet and gently toss to coat every strand in the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until it reaches a silky consistency that clings perfectly. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and let the pasta rest for a minute or two to allow the sauce to set just right. Twirl the spaghetti onto plates for a neat, inviting presentation. Top with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and some freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the lusciousness!
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate your Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti Recipe even more is with thoughtfully chosen garnishes. Add a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for that delightful finishing touch. A crack of black pepper also amps up the aromatic appeal, making each forkful a flavor-packed experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy mushroom pasta with a crisp, refreshing salad for contrast. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a light green salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes works wonderfully. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices also complement the dish perfectly, giving you crunch to alternate with the silky spaghetti.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Present the pasta twirled into elegant nests on warmed plates. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top or add a few whole sautéed mushroom caps as a garnish. For a rustic touch, serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves. These simple touches make your Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti Recipe feast-worthy and Instagram-ready.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy mushroom spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce from becoming too thick or clumpy, stir in a splash of broth or milk before reheating.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if necessary. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on low heat, adding liquid as needed to restore its creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with short bursts, stirring often. Add reserved pasta water, broth, or a splash of milk to loosen the sauce so it remains silky and luscious instead of drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta besides spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and holds the sauce beautifully, feel free to swap in fettuccine, linguine, or even penne if you prefer a different shape. The key is that your pasta cooks to al dente to maintain texture.
What mushrooms work best for this recipe?
Cremini and button mushrooms are readily available and flavorful, but don’t hesitate to mix in wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or chanterelles for more depth and earthiness.
Can I make a lighter version of the creamy mushroom spaghetti recipe?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream to reduce richness. Just know the sauce won’t be quite as velvety, but it will still taste delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely. Use plant-based cream alternatives such as cashew cream or coconut cream, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast or vegan cheese in place of Parmesan. Use vegetable broth instead of wine if desired.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
To keep the sauce smooth, avoid boiling rapidly once the cream is added. Keep the heat low and stir gently until thickened. Adding cheese gradually also helps maintain creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti Recipe that makes every meal feel special without extra fuss. It’s the kind of dish you want to share with friends and savor on a cozy weekend evening. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to comfort foods that dazzle with simplicity and flavor. So, grab your skillet and get cooking—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Print
Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luscious and comforting Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti recipe that features tender sautéed mushrooms in a rich, velvety cream sauce made with Parmesan and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make pasta dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and can be customized with a splash of white wine and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (or other long pasta)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or mixed wild mushrooms)
- 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine or vegetable/chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or 3/4 cream + 1/4 cup milk)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice (to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta cooking water (as needed)
- Optional: 2 tbsp mascarpone or cream cheese for extra creaminess
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil, adding about 1–1.5 tablespoons of salt to 4–5 quarts of water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside without rinsing.
- Cook the Mushrooms: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in an even layer and let cook without stirring for 3–4 minutes to allow browning. Then stir and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until mushrooms turn golden and most moisture evaporates. Season lightly with salt and pepper during cooking.
- Build the Flavor Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion or shallots to the mushrooms and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the liquid reduces by about half and alcohol smell dissipates if using wine.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer—not a rapid boil—and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If using, add mascarpone or cream cheese and incorporate fully. Taste and season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice to brighten flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the pan with the mushroom cream sauce. Toss gently with tongs to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce has a silky texture that clings to the pasta. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and let the pasta rest for 1–2 minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly. Plate the spaghetti by twirling with tongs or a fork for a neat presentation. Top with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in mascarpone or cream cheese into the sauce.
- Use a mix of wild mushrooms for more depth of flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Reserving pasta water is key to loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the spaghetti.
- If wine is not preferred, vegetable or chicken broth can be substituted.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese may affect the creaminess.
- Add lemon juice at the end to brighten and balance the rich cream sauce.
