One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a luxurious and comforting dish that brings the sophisticated flavors of an Italian bistro to your home kitchen. Earthy mushrooms are sautéed with garlic and fresh thyme, then simmered in a velvety cream sauce that coats every ribbon of tender pappardelle for a truly elegant meal.

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Using a mix of mushrooms adds layers of texture and flavor, while the addition of fresh thyme provides a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It is the perfect vegetarian main dish for a cozy weeknight or an impressive dinner party.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) pappardelle
• Mushrooms & Aromatics: 1.5 lb (680 g) mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, button), sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (optional); 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Garnish: Fresh thyme sprigs; Extra Parmesan

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 2

Add mushrooms and sauté until they release their juices and start to brown, 6–8 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5

Add pappardelle, vegetable broth, and a big pinch of salt. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged.

Step 6

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, 10–12 minutes.

Step 7

Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh thyme.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a high-quality chef's knife and cutting board to prep the mushrooms uniformly. Ensure you use a large deep skillet or Dutch oven to allow enough space for the pasta to submerge and cook evenly in the broth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute pappardelle with other long pastas like tagliatelle or fettuccine. For a gluten-free meal, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. If you need a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives. For extra nutrients, toss in a handful of spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this comforting pasta immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and extra Parmesan. To elevate the dish further, add a splash of truffle oil before serving and pair it with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

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With its rich textures and earthy aromatics, this One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly sophisticated meal. Enjoy the ease of one-pot cooking without sacrificing any of the elegance of a classic Italian pasta dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of mushrooms work best in this dish?

A mix of cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms adds depth and earthiness, but you can use any firm mushrooms you prefer.

→ Can I substitute the pasta used?

Yes, tagliatelle or fettuccine can replace pappardelle for similar results.

→ Is the wine essential in the sauce?

White wine adds depth but is optional; vegetable broth and cream maintain richness without it.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use plant-based cream and vegan cheese alternatives while keeping the other ingredients the same.

→ What garnishes enhance the flavor?

Fresh thyme sprigs and extra grated Parmesan provide an aromatic and savory finish.