If you're looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart, this Easy Creamy Mushroom Pasta Dinner is it! Just the other night, my son Jake asked for something special for dinner, and I whipped up this creamy mushroom sauce meal that had everyone at the table smiling. It’s creamy, comforting, and oh-so-delicious!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy mushroom sauce is rich and flavorful.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients.
- It pairs beautifully with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Pure Comfort
There’s something about a creamy pasta dish that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. This creamy mushroom pasta dinner brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. With each bite, you’ll feel the love and warmth that comes from a home-cooked meal, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
What You Need
- 1 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti – Feel free to use gluten-free pasta.
- 1/2 4 oz bacon, chopped – You can substitute with turkey bacon.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Shallots work well too.
- 8 2 cups mushrooms, sliced – Any variety will do, but cremini adds great flavor.
- 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- 1 1 cup heavy cream – For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
- 1 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – You can substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Basil or chives can also be used.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, letting the steam escape.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Enjoy the savory aroma filling your kitchen!
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The onions should be soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook until the mushrooms are golden and have released their moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. The sauce should thicken slightly, creating a luscious texture.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy mushroom sauce until well coated. Let it simmer for another minute to absorb the flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with garlic bread for a delightful meal!
Make It Perfect
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
- Feel free to add spinach or peas for extra veggies.
- Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Use a mix of mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
- Leftover sauce can be used on other dishes like chicken or rice.
Mix It Up
- Add cooked chicken for a heartier dish.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Swap the bacon for sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
Perfect Partners
- Garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
💡 For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest.
FAQs
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can this dish be frozen?
It’s best not to freeze the creamy sauce, but you can freeze the cooked pasta separately.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Mushroom Pasta Dinner is sure to become a family favorite. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s perfect for any night of the week. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious creamy mushroom pasta dish that everyone will love!
Easy Creamy Mushroom Pasta Dinner with Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- pot
Ingredients
Main
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti pasta feel free to use gluten-free pasta
- 4 oz bacon bacon chopped, can substitute with turkey bacon
- 1 large yellow onion diced, shallots work well too
- 2 cups mushrooms mushrooms sliced, any variety, cremini adds great flavor
- 3 cloves garlic minced, garlic powder can be used
- 1 cup heavy cream heavy cream for lighter version, use half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese can substitute with nutritional yeast for vegan option
- to taste salt and pepper add red pepper flakes for a kick
- to taste fresh parsley chopped, basil or chives can be used
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Add diced onion to skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook until mushrooms are golden and moisture released, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta in creamy mushroom sauce until coated and warm through.
- Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley, paired with garlic bread.