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- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The main ingredients for this dish make it rich and creamy. The pasta serves as a base, while mushrooms bring earthy flavors. Garlic adds a punch, and thyme gives a nice herbal note. Heavy cream creates that silky texture we all love. Parmesan cheese adds depth and umami. Fresh parsley brightens the dish, making it look even better. If you want to switch things up, try different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. For a vegan option, use cashew cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese, giving you that cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting your diet. Measuring ingredients accurately is key to great meals. Too much or too little can change flavors and textures. Always use a kitchen scale for the best results. Prep ingredients ahead of time to save time while cooking. Chop your mushrooms and garlic before you begin. This helps everything cook evenly and speeds up your cooking process. To cook the pasta, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of your chosen pasta, like fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Remember to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps thicken the sauce later. For the best mushrooms, use a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. This browning adds flavor. If the mushrooms release too much moisture, increase the heat. This helps them brown instead of steam. Keep an eye on them for the best texture. Once the mushrooms are ready, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook this mix for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Then, lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken a bit. Next, add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts into the sauce. If your sauce seems too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until it's just right. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta, coating it fully in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy the creamy garlic mushroom pasta! For the full recipe, check the recipe section. To boost the taste of your creamy garlic mushroom pasta, use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Fresh herbs add a bright flavor that dried herbs can't match. If you use dried herbs, just remember they are stronger, so use less. A pinch will do! For added depth, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice. They bring a nice kick and balance the creaminess. You can also try adding a dash of nutmeg for warmth and richness. This pasta pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread. A side of garlic bread enhances the garlic flavor too! When serving, use deep bowls for a cozy look. Drizzle a bit of extra cream on top and add fresh parsley for color. A little more grated Parmesan on top makes it feel fancy! If your sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help loosen it up. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. If your dish lacks flavor, add more salt and pepper. A sprinkle of cheese can also amp up the taste. Don’t be shy to adjust seasonings until it tastes just right! {{image_2}} You can easily change the dish by adding protein. Chicken or shrimp work great in this creamy garlic mushroom pasta. Just cook the protein before adding the mushrooms. This keeps it juicy and tasty. For a vegetarian option, think about adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients give your pasta a fresh twist. Spinach adds color and nutrients, while sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy flavor. Both options make the dish even more delicious. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that taste just as good. You won’t lose the creamy texture with these alternatives. To make it lighter, swap heavy cream for half-and-half. This keeps the sauce creamy but cuts some calories. You still get a rich flavor without feeling too heavy. For an Italian twist, add some Italian herbs like basil or oregano. These enhance the dish's flavor and bring a taste of Italy to your table. You can also try Asian noodle adaptations. Use rice noodles instead of traditional pasta. This change gives your dish a unique flair. Top it with sesame seeds for added crunch. Feel free to explore these variations to make the dish your own! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and tips. To keep your creamy garlic mushroom pasta fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors strong and the pasta moist. You can use glass or plastic containers, but glass is best for avoiding stains and odors. When reheating, keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Use the stovetop for the best results. Place the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir often until it warms through. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. You can freeze creamy pasta dishes, but it needs care. Divide your pasta into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop with a little added cream or water for best results. This keeps the sauce from separating. Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. It is best to store it in an airtight container. Before eating, check for any signs of spoilage, like off-smells or changes in texture. If you see these signs, it’s best to toss it. To keep it fresh, cool the pasta to room temperature before sealing it up. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time! Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then mix just before serving. This helps keep the pasta from getting soggy. Store the pasta and sauce in separate containers in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just heat the sauce on the stove and toss it with the pasta. You can add a splash of reserved pasta water to help it come together. Definitely! Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta is great for meal planning. You can prepare it in bulk and divide it into portions. Pack it in containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Pair it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. This dish reheats well, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner throughout the week. For the full recipe, check out the details above. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious creamy garlic mushroom pasta from scratch. I shared key ingredients, cooking tips, and helpful storage advice. Remember, accurate measurements and techniques make a big difference. Don't hesitate to swap in your favorite ingredients to make it your own. With these tips, you can create a dish that's not only tasty but also easy to prepare. Whether for a quick meal or a special occasion, you'll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite of your creation!

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously creamy garlic mushroom pasta that’s easy to whip up in just 25 minutes! Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe features simple ingredients like fettuccine, mushrooms, and a rich cream sauce. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieve a restaurant-quality dish at home. Ready to savor a comforting meal? Click through and explore the full recipe today to impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are browned and release their moisture, about 5-7 minutes.

      Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, allowing the cream to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thicken slightly.

          Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

            Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy mushroom sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, drizzled with extra cream if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Add additional Parmesan on top for an extra touch!