Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta: A Cozy Weeknight Dinner
There’s something so charming about a warm, buttery bowl of pasta that wraps around you like a favorite blanket on a chilly evening. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, I often find myself dreaming up simple meals that evoke the essence of home, meals that are comforting and satisfying, yet quick enough to whip up after a long day. One such delightful dish is this Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta.
Imagine this: the soft, tender pasta glistening with a luscious buttery sauce, the earthy, golden mushrooms melding beautifully with the aromatic essence of garlic, all brightened by a squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s a dish that instantly transports you to a cozy corner of an Italian bistro while you’re still in your own kitchen. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: This pasta comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it the perfect option for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Creamy and Comforting: The combination of melted butter, Parmesan, and garlic creates a rich, savory sauce that clings lovingly to each strand of pasta.
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Family-Friendly: With familiar flavors and ingredients everyone loves, this meal is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce to create this delicious dish, making it both accessible and affordable.
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Fresh and Zesty: The squeeze of lemon at the end brings a bright twist that elevates, balancing the richness perfectly.
What You’ll Need
To create this Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta, gather these simple ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Make It Together
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine.
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Squeeze the lemon juice over the pasta and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to coat.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta is delightful as-is, there are a few creative twists you can add to make it uniquely yours:
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Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even turkey bacon for an extra boost of flavor and sustenance.
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Create a Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta for a richer, creamier sauce.
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Veggie Boost: Feel free to add in other vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding different herbs such as thyme, basil, or oregano for a fragrant twist.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
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Make-Ahead Advice: You can cook the pasta and mushrooms ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and toss them together when you’re ready to eat.
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Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, feel free to substitute with Pecorino or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
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Mushroom Varieties: While white button mushrooms are great, try using cremini or shiitake for a deeper, more complex flavor.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that buttery goodness.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 360
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the components in advance. Just combine them right before you serve. -
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the mushrooms for your favorite vegetables or even add protein. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. -
How long does it last?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored properly.
A Cozy Closing Note
In just a few easy steps, this Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s a reminder that cooking at home can create not just food but memories too. Whether enjoyed alone or with loved ones gathered around the table, this dish brings comfort and joy to every bite.
So go ahead and save this Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta to your cozy recipe board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat!
Easy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta Any type of pasta works well.
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced Use white button, cremini, or shiitake.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Can substitute with Pecorino or nutritional yeast.
- 1 each lemon, juiced Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combining and Serving
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the pasta and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
