Creamy Mushroom Pasta (Easy Parmesan Garlic Sauce)

Ingredients

• 8 oz of pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
• Salt (for the pasta water)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ to ¾ cup reserved hot pasta water
• ¾ to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper
• Optional parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Cook pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve about ¾ cup hot pasta water, then drain.
• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add mushrooms and sauté until they are beautifully golden and their moisture is cooked off.
• Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
• Add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir.
• Reduce heat to low.
• Add drained pasta directly to the pan.
• Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan while tossing continuously. (this helps the Parmesan melt perfectly into the pasta)
• Add small splashes of pasta water until the sauce becomes silky and creamy.
• Finish with black pepper and optional parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Cremini or Baby Bella mushrooms add deeper flavor, but have fun and add your favorites!
• Add in some spinach for freshness and color
• A pinch of thyme pairs beautifully
• Extra Parmesan makes it richer;)
• Delicious with grilled chicken or shrimp
• A drizzle of browned butter takes it to next-level deliciousness!
• Add heat by finishing with red pepper flakes, Calabrian chili paste, or smoked paprika
• Finish with a sprinkle of buttered bread crumbs for extra richness, flavor, and the perfect crispy texture!
  
  

Love cozy pasta? Check out this Creamy Lemon Pasta with Crispy Bacon and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, these Ultra-Crispy Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs and this delightfully easy Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Beef! And if you’re in the mood for a simple one pot wonder meal?! This EPIC One Pot Lasagna dinner that’s ready in less than 27 minutes will absolutely become your new favorite busy-night dinner!

Love garlic? We triple-dog-dare you to click here.. 😉