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One-Pan Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta

Silky fettuccine tossed in a creamy garlic mushroom sauce made with golden brown mushrooms, Parmesan, and a starchy pasta water technique that delivers a restaurant-quality finish in 15 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g fresh fettuccine or dried fettuccine; 400g to 500g range
  • 1 tbsp salt for the pasta boiling water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 250 g brown mushrooms sliced evenly; cremini or chestnut mushrooms work well
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed or minced
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 25 g butter
  • 1 cup cooking cream or heavy cream
  • 0.5 lemon, juiced
  • 45 g Parmesan cheese freshly grated; 40g to 50g range
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water scooped out before draining the pasta

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Fine grater or microplane
  • Heatproof measuring cup (for pasta water)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out at least 1 cup of pasta cooking water and set aside in a heatproof container.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter sizzles, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until deeply golden brown. Do not salt the mushrooms yet.
  3. Add the crushed garlic and rosemary to the pan. Sauté for 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the cream and lemon juice. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Add the drained pasta directly to the pan and toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time, tossing between additions, until the sauce reaches a smooth, glossy consistency that clings to the pasta.
  6. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with an extra crack of black pepper and fresh parsley if available.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to restore the sauce consistency. This dish does not freeze well. Pro tip: Do not salt mushrooms at the start of cooking or they will steam instead of brown. Wait until they are golden before seasoning. Optional: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine before adding the cream for added depth. For a non-vegetarian version, add crispy bacon or sliced grilled chicken. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.