This creamy garlic mushroom pasta is a simple, comforting dish with a rich sauce and soft, golden mushrooms. It comes together easily using everyday ingredients and has a gentle garlic flavour that does not overpower.
It is ideal for busy weeknights, relaxed family dinners, or when you want something warming without spending hours in the kitchen. The method is straightforward and well suited to confident beginners.
Recipe Information
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2 to 3
Ingredients
For the pasta
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250 g dried pasta such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti
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Salt, for the cooking water
For the sauce
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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25 g unsalted butter
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250 g mushrooms, sliced
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2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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150 ml double cream
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50 g grated Parmesan cheese
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Freshly ground black pepper
Optional
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Chopped fresh parsley, to finish
Step-by-Step Method
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Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add a generous pinch of salt, then cook the pasta according to the packet instructions until just tender. Before draining, reserve a mug of the cooking water.
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Heat the olive oil and butter together in a wide frying pan over a medium heat.
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Add the mushrooms in a single layer. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn lightly golden.
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Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring gently, until fragrant but not browned.
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Pour in the double cream and reduce the heat slightly. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens lightly.
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Add the drained pasta to the pan, along with a small splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat.
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Stir through the Parmesan and season with black pepper. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Remove from the heat and serve immediately, finished with parsley if using.
Baking and Cooking Tips
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Allow the mushrooms time to release their moisture before stirring too often. This helps them brown rather than steam.
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Always keep some pasta water back. It helps bring the sauce together smoothly.
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Add the cheese off the heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
Variations
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Add cooked chicken or crispy bacon pieces for extra substance.
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Stir in a handful of spinach at the end and allow it to wilt gently.
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Use a vegetarian hard cheese instead of Parmesan if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve straight from the pan with extra grated cheese at the table. A simple green salad or garlic bread makes a good side.
Storage and Reheating
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Best eaten fresh.
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Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
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Reheat gently on the hob with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
