The Weeknight Comfort Fix
Some recipes just know how to comfort you without overstaying their welcome. This one delivers all the cozy, creamy pasta vibes in the time it takes to set the table.
The mushrooms sear quickly, the cream sauce comes together in minutes, and the pasta carries it all perfectly. It’s indulgent without requiring a lie-down afterward — ideal for pairing with a glass of wine and whatever show you’re binging.
Why You’ll Love It
- Done in 15 minutes, no shortcuts on flavor.
- Flexible — swap in any mushroom variety or even mix them.
- Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.
Serve it with a side salad if you’re feeling virtuous, or just more Parmesan if you’re not.
Fancy-feeling food for fried people.
15-Minute Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Silky pasta tangled with earthy mushrooms in a cream sauce that tastes like you actually read the recipe first. Fast, rich, and just the right amount of indulgent for a Tuesday night.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pasta cooking water reserved
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until golden.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and reserved pasta water. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss pasta in the sauce until coated. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
• Why it works: Mushrooms bring deep umami, Parmesan adds salty richness, and the cream ties it together in record time.
• Shortcuts: Use pre-sliced mushrooms and jarred minced garlic.
• Toddler-friendly: Slice mushrooms smaller and use a mild pasta shape like rotini.
• Apéro energy: Serve in small bowls with forks for a luxe snack portion.
• Shortcuts: Use pre-sliced mushrooms and jarred minced garlic.
• Toddler-friendly: Slice mushrooms smaller and use a mild pasta shape like rotini.
• Apéro energy: Serve in small bowls with forks for a luxe snack portion.