Creamy Mushroom Pasta (2024)

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by Laura on October 26, 20223

It’s official, fall has arrived, and that means cold weather and holiday festivities are around the corner!

Simple summer meals are set aside and replaced with cozy and comforting dishes, such as this Creamy Mushroom Pasta.

This recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare, so you can enjoy this delicious dinner in no time at all.

If you’re looking for an elegant, yet hearty pasta recipe that can be whipped up on a busy weeknight or special occasion, this dish is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom Pasta:

• Ease: This mushroom pasta comes together in just 20 minutes, but is elegant and flavorful – the best of both worlds. Serve it on busy weeknights or special occasions!
• Flavor: Sautéed shallot, garlic, and caramelized mushrooms are combined with mascarpone cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy and flavorful pasta sauce. Fresh lemon zest and chives add brightness and a pop of color.
• Versatile: While I’m partial to oyster mushrooms, feel free to substitute other mushroom varieties (see recipe box for substitution ideas). In a pinch, the mascarpone cheese can be swapped for crème fraîche or whipped ricotta cheese, for a lighter alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Orecchiette Pasta – my pasta of choice for this dish is orecchiette (ear-shaped pasta), as it lends itself to being well and evenly coated in the creamy mushroom sauce. Fusilli will work well too. Or prepare this dish with homemade gnocchi for another twist.
• Shallots and Garlic – finely chopped, shallots and garlic lend great flavor and heft to this simple sauce.
• Oyster Mushrooms – fluted, fan-shaped mushrooms that have a silky texture once cooked. They are relatively delicate in flavor and require little to no prep or cleaning! See substitution notes below.
• Mascarpone Cheese – Mascarpone is a thick and delicate Italian cow’s milk cheese. It melts into pasta dishes beautifully and lends more body to sauces than heavy cream.
• Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese – the king of cheeses, you’ll need finely grated parmesan cheese for both the sauce and serving.
• Lemon Zest – a touch of lemon zest provides a hint of acid to balance this creamy, rich sauce. Don’t skip it.
• Fresh Chives – for color, brightness, and flavor!

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta:

Here are some tips onhow to make creamy mushroom pastaat home, step-by-step!

1. See recipe box below for full instructions. In a large (12-inch diameter) heavy-bottomed skillet, cook the shallots until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

2. Add the mushrooms and toss in the shallot and garlic mixture. Spread evenly across the surface of the skillet. Cook the mushrooms – stirring infrequently – until lightly caramelized. Keep warm.
3. Cook the orecchiette pasta until al dente. Reserve at least 1 cup (240 mL) starchy pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and transfer to the skillet along with a splash of pasta water. Add the mascarpone cheese and toss to combine, adding the parmesan in handfuls until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy. Add the lemon zest and season to taste with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper.
4. Serve the pasta and garnish with sliced chives and freshly grated Parmesan.

How to Serve This Dish:

This creamy mushroom pasta pairs well with simple vegetable side dishes, such as sautéed greens, green beans, or roasted broccoli.

A large green salad tossed with a bright acidic vinaigrette, such as this Shaved Fennel Arugula Salad or Shaved Vegetable Salad, is another great choice.