Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Mushroom Pasta. This dish features perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a savory garlic mushroom sauce, all smothered under a blanket of gooey, melted cheese. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
4 Reasons to Love This Mushroom Pasta with Melted Cheese
This cheesy mushroom pasta is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that delivers on flavor, ease, and comfort. Here are four compelling reasons why this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your weeknight meal rotation.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience
There are few things more comforting than a warm bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta. This recipe takes that concept to the next level. The earthy, umami flavor of the sautéed mushrooms pairs perfectly with the rich garlic cream sauce. The final layer of melted cheese adds a decadent, savory finish that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up.
Incredibly Quick and Easy to Make
Despite its gourmet flavor, this mushroom pasta is surprisingly simple and fast to prepare. From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The steps are straightforward and don’t require any fancy cooking techniques. Mastering a simple pan sauce like this is a fundamental skill, one that’s often taught at the beginning of any culinary program, including introductory baking classes, because of its versatility.
Made with Simple, Accessible Ingredients
This recipe relies on a short list of ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. You’ll need pasta, mushrooms, garlic, cream, and cheese—many of which you might already have in your pantry and refrigerator. This simplicity means you can whip up a delicious, high-quality meal without a special shopping trip. It’s a testament to the idea that you don’t need a lot of complicated components to create something truly delicious.
Easily Customizable to Your Preferences
This mushroom pasta recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Add Protein: Stir in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- Boost the Veggies: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted broccoli.
- Switch the Cheese: Use a different blend of cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or provolone.
This flexibility allows you to make the dish your own. It’s also easy to make a plant-based version, using techniques common in vegan baking and cooking.
Ingredients for Mushroom Pasta with Melted Cheese
To create this delicious dish, you will need a few key components for the pasta, the sauce, and the cheesy topping. As any chef from professional baking schools would agree, using good-quality ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal.
For the Pasta Base
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | 12 oz (340g) | Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work well. |
| Salt | 1 tbsp | For seasoning the pasta water. |
| Olive Oil or Butter | 1 tbsp | To prevent the pasta from sticking. |
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tbsp | Provides rich flavor for sautéing. |
| Cremini Mushrooms | 1 lb (450g), sliced | Also known as baby bellas; they have a deep, earthy flavor. |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | Fresh garlic is essential for the best taste. |
| Dry White Wine (optional) | ¼ cup | Such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to deglaze the pan. |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | Creates the rich, creamy texture of the sauce. |
| Dried Thyme or Oregano | 1 tsp | Adds an aromatic, herbal note. |
| Salt and Black Pepper | To taste | |
| Reserved Pasta Water | ½ cup | The starchy water helps thicken the sauce and make it silky. |
For the Melted Cheese Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup | For that perfect, gooey cheese pull. |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | ½ cup | Adds a sharp, nutty, and salty flavor. |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 tbsp, chopped | For garnish and a touch of freshness. |
Ingredient Details and Tips
- Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms are an excellent choice for their robust flavor. However, you can use a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or even simple white button mushrooms. According to research on edible fungi, mushrooms are packed with B vitamins and antioxidants.
- Pasta: Choose a pasta shape that has ridges or a hollow center, like rigatoni or penne, as these shapes are great for catching the creamy sauce.
- Cream: For the richest sauce, use heavy cream. If you want a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick or decadent.
- Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, use olive oil instead of butter, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and your favorite plant-based shredded cheese. The principles of creating creamy textures without dairy are central to the world of vegan baking.
How to Make Mushroom Pasta with Melted Cheese (Instructions)
This delicious pasta dish comes together in just a few easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until it is al dente (firm to the bite).
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, carefully scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water and set it aside.
- Drain: Drain the pasta and toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to prevent it from sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
- Heat the Pan: While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook them in batches if necessary. Let them cook, undisturbed, for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown on one side. Then, stir and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until they have released their liquid and are nicely browned. For a guide to perfectly sautéed mushrooms, you can refer to tips from culinary experts like Fine Cooking.
- Add Garlic: Add the 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute more, until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using, pour in ¼ cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
- Preheat Broiler: Turn on your oven’s broiler to high.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the mushroom sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Broil: Place the oven-safe skillet under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Watch it carefully to prevent it from burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions for Mushroom Pasta with Melted Cheese
This rich and satisfying pasta is a star on its own, but a few simple additions can turn it into a complete and well-rounded meal.
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is the perfect companion for sopping up any extra creamy sauce.
- A Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a crisp, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli for an extra serving of vegetables.
- Wine Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
FAQs About Mushroom Pasta with Melted Cheese
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, absolutely. This recipe is wonderful with other melting cheeses. Try using fontina, Gruyère, provolone, or a blend of your favorites. A sprinkle of smoked mozzarella would also add a delicious, smoky depth.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has become too thick.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. To make a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta and cook it according to the package directions. The sauce is naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish before topping it with cheese. Then, place the baking dish under the broiler as directed.
Conclusion
This Mushroom Pasta with Melted Cheese is the perfect recipe for a delicious, comforting, and easy weeknight dinner. It combines earthy mushrooms, a velvety cream sauce, and a glorious melted cheese topping into one irresistible dish. It’s a meal that is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Now you’re ready to create this cheesy masterpiece.
- Try the Recipe: Follow the simple steps to make this incredible pasta dish in your own kitchen.
- Share Your Experience: Let us know how it turned out and if you added any of your own creative touches.
- Follow Our Tips: Use our suggestions for ingredients and serving to customize the meal and make it perfectly yours.
