Garlic Mushroom Pasta
This Garlic Mushroom Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and fresh mushrooms. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe highlights the simplicity and elegance of cooking with fresh ingredients. The garlic butter parmesan sauce brings out the earthy tones of the mushrooms while a hint of lemon adds brightness. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a meal just for yourself, this garlic mushroom pasta will impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan creates a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Vegetarian Delight: With no meat included, this dish is an excellent choice for vegetarians while still being hearty and satisfying.
- Versatile Pairing: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish to complement grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh mushrooms and herbs elevates the flavor profile, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Tools and Preparation
To make the garlic mushroom pasta smoothly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will make your cooking experience enjoyable and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking and browning of the mushrooms, which enhances their flavor.
- Pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the pasta adequately without overcrowding it.
Ingredients
This garlic mushroom pasta recipe is easy to make and incredibly delicious! The garlic butter parmesan sauce is freshened up with a touch of lemon and parsley.
Pasta
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta
Cooking Fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Flavoring Agents
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or veg broth or white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice + zest of 1/2 lemon
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
How to Make Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a salted pot of water. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Mushrooms
Add the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot:
1. Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms.
2. Sauté while stirring occasionally until the water from the mushrooms has cooked off. This should take about 8-10 minutes until everything is nicely browned.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Mustard
Stir in the rest of the butter along with minced garlic and Dijon mustard. Cook for about one minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Create Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth (or veg broth/white wine) along with lemon juice and zest. Let it bubble for about one minute to combine flavors.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Remove from heat. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley:
– Before draining pasta, reserve a couple tablespoons of hot pasta water.
– Toss drained pasta into the sauce, adding reserved water as needed to reach desired consistency.
– Season with salt & pepper to taste before serving immediately.
How to Serve Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Garlic mushroom pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Pair with a Side Salad
- A fresh green salad complements the richness of the pasta and adds a crunchy texture.
- Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for balance.
Top with Grilled Chicken
- Adding sliced grilled chicken makes this dish heartier and perfect for protein lovers.
- Season the chicken with herbs to enhance its flavor profile.
Serve with Garlic Bread
- Crunchy garlic bread is an excellent side that echoes the garlic flavor in the pasta.
- Toast slices with butter and minced garlic for an irresistible treat.
Garnish with Extra Parsley
- Fresh parsley not only brightens up the dish but also adds an extra layer of freshness.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top just before serving.
Add Red Pepper Flakes
- For those who enjoy a little heat, red pepper flakes can bring an exciting kick to the dish.
- Sprinkle them over your pasta right before serving to taste.
Drizzle with Balsamic Reduction
- A balsamic reduction adds sweetness and acidity that complements the savory flavors of the pasta.
- Drizzle lightly over each plate before serving for an elegant touch.
How to Perfect Garlic Mushroom Pasta
To achieve the best garlic mushroom pasta, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is both flavorful and visually appealing.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure you follow package instructions for cooking time to achieve a firm texture that holds up well with sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms, garlic, and herbs make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried or processed options.
- Sauté Mushrooms Properly: Allow mushrooms to brown by giving them enough space in the pan. This enhances their flavor through caramelization.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save some pasta water. It helps adjust sauce consistency and adds starch for better adhesion.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Pairing side dishes with garlic mushroom pasta can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crunch from romaine lettuce and creaminess from dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrition alongside your pasta dish.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance while complementing the flavors of garlic and mushrooms nicely.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil brings freshness to your meal.
- Caprese Salad: Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a perfect light side dish.
- Grilled Zucchini: Marinated grilled zucchini is not only healthy but also enhances the overall taste of your dinner plate.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cheeses, olives, and cured meats create an appetizer that pairs perfectly with garlic mushroom pasta.
- Creamy Polenta: Smooth polenta provides a comforting side that contrasts nicely with the textures in your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Mushroom Pasta, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Overcooking the pasta: Always cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. This ensures it retains some firmness and will better absorb the sauce.
- Using low-quality mushrooms: Fresh, high-quality cremini mushrooms enhance the flavor. Avoid dried or old mushrooms as they can compromise the dish.
- Adding cheese too early: Stirring in parmesan too soon can lead to clumping. Wait until the heat is off to incorporate it for a smoother texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process. This helps build layers of flavor.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish. If you use dried herbs instead, you may miss out on that fresh taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Garlic Mushroom Pasta in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Mushroom Pasta
- Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Garlic Mushroom Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps it moist.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water in a pan and stir over low heat until warmed. This prevents sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Garlic Mushroom Pasta.
What type of pasta works best for Garlic Mushroom Pasta?
You can use any type of pasta, but fettuccine or pappardelle complements the sauce well due to their wider surface area.
Can I make Garlic Mushroom Pasta vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, and ensure your parmesan is vegetarian-friendly.
How can I customize my Garlic Mushroom Pasta?
Consider adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and nutrition.
What should I serve with Garlic Mushroom Pasta?
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish, creating a complete meal that’s satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Mushroom Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!
Garlic Mushroom Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Garlic Mushroom Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, buttery mushrooms, and creamy parmesan in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients. The aromatic garlic butter sauce perfectly complements the earthy mushrooms, while a hint of lemon adds brightness to the dish. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying it solo, this pasta is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and zest from 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, sauté onions and mushrooms for about 8-10 minutes until browned.
- Stir in remaining butter, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add broth, lemon juice, and zest to the skillet; let bubble for one minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese and parsley. Toss with drained pasta (reserve some pasta water if needed) and season with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
