Creamy mushroom pasta is one of the most comforting dishes you can prepare with just a few basic ingredients. This version uses spaghetti pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky white sauce filled with juicy sautéed mushrooms. It’s the perfect balance of creaminess, umami, and smooth texture. Whether you’re making a quick dinner for yourself or serving guests, this recipe hits the spot every time. Using spaghetti gives it that classic pasta feel while the mushrooms add a hearty bite. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or techniques. Just follow five simple steps and you’ll have a satisfying, café-style pasta ready in under 30 minutes.
Step 1: Boil the spaghetti pasta
Start by boiling water in a large pan. Add a generous pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add about 150 grams of uncooked spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, firm to the bite. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and save about half a cup of the pasta water. Rinse the spaghetti briefly with cold water to stop further cooking and set it aside.
Step 2: Slice and sauté the mushrooms
Take 200 grams of button mushrooms and slice them evenly. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a wide pan. Add 4 to 5 finely chopped garlic cloves and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant. Now, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them on medium heat. The mushrooms will release water at first, but continue cooking until the water evaporates and they turn golden and slightly crispy at the edges. Add salt and black pepper to taste at this stage.
Step 3: Prepare the creamy garlic sauce
To make the sauce, lower the heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour into the pan with the mushrooms. Stir it well so the flour coats the mushrooms and absorbs the fat. Cook it for a minute to eliminate the raw taste of the flour. Then gradually pour in 1 cup of milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. You can also add a splash of the reserved pasta water for extra smoothness. Let the sauce simmer and thicken. Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream and a pinch of grated cheese for richness. Adjust salt and pepper if needed and add a dash of nutmeg or oregano for more flavour.
Step 4: Toss the spaghetti into the sauce
Now that the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti into the pan. Toss it gently using tongs or a fork so that the pasta gets evenly coated with the creamy garlic mushroom sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more pasta water or milk to loosen it up. Let everything cook together on low heat for a minute or two. Make sure the pasta absorbs the flavours of the sauce without getting overcooked. At this point, you can also sprinkle in a little chili flakes if you like some heat.
Step 5: Garnish and serve hot
Once everything is nicely combined, switch off the heat and transfer the creamy mushroom spaghetti to a serving plate or bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or coriander. Add a little grated cheese on top if desired. Serve it hot, fresh from the pan. This pasta is delicious on its own or can be paired with garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal. It also makes a great lunchbox or dinner option when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and flavourful.
Mushroom pasta in creamy garlic sauce is the ultimate comfort food that never fails. It’s rich, simple, and deeply satisfying with every bite. Using spaghetti gives it that authentic pasta texture while the sautéed mushrooms and garlic-infused sauce provide bold, earthy flavours. With just five clear steps, this recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for special occasions. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your homemade pasta collection.
