Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a savory mushroom and garlic sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Ingredients
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth or white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Step 2: Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their water and it cooks off, and the mixture becomes browned and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the remaining butter, then add the minced garlic and Dijon mustard. Cook for about one minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture bubble for about one minute to combine the flavors.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Step 6: Before draining the pasta, reserve a couple of tablespoons of the hot pasta water. Drain the pasta and toss it with the mushroom sauce, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- To serve more people, simply increase the amount of pasta and double the sauce ingredients; just allow extra time for the mushrooms and onions to properly caramelize when cooking larger quantities.
- Use vegetable broth or white wine instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian or lighter flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche with the cheese.
Storage
Store any leftover Garlic Mushroom Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, shiitake, button, or portobello mushrooms work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the mushrooms are larger or denser.
Can this dish be made vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use vegetable broth, and replace parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
PrintGarlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe
A flavorful garlic mushroom pasta combining sautéed cremini mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan cheese tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a quick, comforting vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth or white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Reserve a couple tablespoons of the hot pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sliced cremini mushrooms. Sauté for 8-10 minutes or until the mushrooms release their moisture, it evaporates, and both mushrooms and onions are browned and caramelized, enhancing their flavor.
- Add Garlic and Mustard: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then add minced garlic and Dijon mustard. Cook for about one minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth (or white wine), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the mixture bubble for about one minute to meld the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce and Combine: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the sauce, then toss in the drained pasta. Mix well to coat thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe can be stretched to feed 4 people by adding more pasta, especially if served with other dishes.
- Doubling the recipe is possible, but expect a longer time to properly sear the mushrooms and onions due to increased quantity.
- This recipe appears in the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials hardcover cookbook.
Keywords: garlic mushroom pasta, vegetarian pasta, cremini mushrooms, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner

