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5-Ingredient Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Alright, picture this: you come home after a long day, and all you want is something cozy and utterly satisfying without a fuss. That’s exactly what this 5-Ingredient Creamy Mushroom Pasta delivers—rich, silky sauce clinging to tender noodles, with earthy mushrooms adding a comforting bite. It’s like a warm hug from the inside out, and the best part? You only need five simple ingredients to pull it off. No crazy fancy pantry needed, just good taste and a little love. Plus, I’ll share my favorite tricks to keep the sauce creamy without drowning the pasta. Ready to whip up a quick dinner that tastes like you spent hours? Let’s get cooking!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine work beautifully)
10 ounces fresh cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How I Make It

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Save about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s gold for adjusting the sauce consistency later!

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—making sure not to burn it.

Step 3:

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes so they get a nice golden sear, then stir and cook until they’re softened and slightly caramelized, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 4:

Pour the heavy cream into the pan and gently simmer, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks—this usually takes about 4–5 minutes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Step 5:

Return the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the creamy mushroom sauce. If it feels too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water, stirring to reach your perfect luscious sauce consistency.

Step 6:

Give it a final taste; adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately. The sauce should cling velvety to every forkful, with that earthy mushroom flavor shining through.

Variations & Tips

Swap cream for half-and-half to lighten things up, but expect a thinner sauce.
Add a handful of grated Parmesan right at the end for an extra depth of flavor.
Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a bright pop.
Use baby bella mushrooms for a deeper umami taste.
For a garlicky boost, roast the garlic before adding it to the pan.
If your sauce gets too thick, don’t hesitate to whisk in more reserved pasta water a little at a time.

How I Like to Serve It

This creamy mushroom pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s a go-to for chilly evenings when you want that cozy vibe but with minimal effort. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick when you’re feeling adventurous.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on low heat with a splash of water or cream.
You can use gluten-free pasta easily if needed—just adjust cook time accordingly.

Closing: Once you try this creamy mushroom pasta, its simplicity and rich flavor will make it a staple you’ll reach for again and again.