Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Our easy mushroom pasta is made with mushrooms—a variety of mushrooms work—cooked in olive oil, butter, garlic, herbs, and a bit of lemon for bright, fresh flavor. For a really spectacular pasta, try wild foraged mushrooms like morel mushrooms or chanterelle mushrooms. Theres no cream in this recipe. If you would like to add some, add a splash at the end of cooking (when you add the pasta).
Our easy mushroom pasta is made with mushrooms—a variety of mushrooms work—cooked in olive oil, butter, garlic, herbs, and a bit of lemon for bright, fresh flavor. For a really spectacular pasta, try wild foraged mushrooms like morel mushrooms or chanterelle mushrooms. Theres no cream in this recipe. If you would like to add some, add a splash at the end of cooking (when you add the pasta).
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and fresh ground black pepper
- juice of half a lemon
- 8 ounces pasta like spaghetti pappardelle or linguini
- 10 ounces mushrooms such as cremini shiitake or portobello (about 3 cups chopped or sliced)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated lemon zest
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- Carbohydrate 2.9148168562087 g
- Cholesterol 18.8515625065405 mg
- Fat 10.4994906343148 g
- Fiber 0.131259183217176 g
- Protein 2.11073059812651 g
- Saturated Fat 4.97910500250814 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (173g)
- Sodium 164.901772973187 mg
- Sugar 2.78355767299152 g
- Trans Fat 0.524060625358156 g
- Calories 110 calories
Step-by-step
- Using a damp paper towel, brush all dirt from mushrooms. Cut away and discard any hard stems. Chop into 1/4-inch slices or, if there are larger mushrooms like portobello, cut into 1/4-inch cubes.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1/2 tablespoon of salt and the pasta.
- Cook, stirring once or twice, for 1 minute less than the suggested cooking time on the package. The pasta will finish cooking when making the sauce. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water then drain pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and spread into one layer. Cook, without moving, until browned on one side, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir then cook another 3 to 5 minutes or until mostly golden brown on all sides.
- To the mushrooms, add the butter, garlic, thyme, lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the butter absorbs into mushrooms, about 2 minutes.
- Turn the heat to low and add the drained pasta, 1/4 cup parmesan, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Use tongs to toss the pasta, cheese, and mushrooms around the pan for one minute.
- If the pasta looks dry, add a splash more pasta water. If it seems wet, don’t worry, the pasta absorbs some the extra moisture as it cools.
- Taste then adjust seasoning with salt and/or pepper. Stir in the lemon juice. Serve with parmesan and fresh ground black pepper on top.
Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick, delicious, and satisfying meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. This Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta recipe has become a staple in our weeknight dinner rotation. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and adaptable to whatever mushrooms I can find at the market.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated sauce or lengthy cooking process. Just fresh mushrooms, sautéed to perfection in olive oil and butter, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, fragrant garlic, and a bright squeeze of lemon. The herbs add a delightful complexity, and the parmesan cheese provides a creamy richness without the need for heavy cream. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that leaves me feeling energized, not sluggish.
I often experiment with different types of mushrooms. Cremini are a classic choice, but I've also used shiitake, portobello, and even a mix of whatever's on sale. For a truly gourmet experience, I've been known to splurge on wild mushrooms when they're in season. The earthy flavors of wild mushrooms elevate this dish to another level, creating a truly special meal, even on a Tuesday night.
The recipe is incredibly forgiving, too. If I’m short on time, I’ll use pre-sliced mushrooms. And if I forget to add the lemon zest, it’s not the end of the world—the lemon juice still adds that necessary brightness. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and not be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. A generous helping of freshly ground black pepper always enhances the flavor profile.
This recipe is also surprisingly versatile. I’ve added cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal, or even some spinach for added greens. It’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity, making it perfect for adapting to whatever I have on hand. It's a dish that feels both sophisticated and comforting, making it a winner with my family and friends.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it can be scaled up or down. Whether I'm cooking for just myself or for a crowd, the proportions are easily adjusted. This makes it perfect for everything from a quick lunch to a larger dinner party. And the cleanup is minimal—a single skillet does the job!
So, if you’re looking for a weeknight pasta dish that's both easy and delicious, give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips and Variations:
- Mushroom Selection: Experiment with different types of mushrooms! Cremini, shiitake, portobello, oyster mushrooms—all work wonderfully.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a more substantial meal.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some sauteed spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Pasta Choice: Use your favorite pasta shape! Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine—they all work well.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Pecorino Romano or Asiago would be delicious additions.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a true testament to the fact that simple ingredients, prepared with care, can create a truly memorable and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!
