Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta is a comforting and elegant dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a nutty, golden brown butter sauce with sautéed mixed mushrooms, garlic, and fresh parsley. The optional addition of Parmesan cheese and a touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors, making it a quick yet sophisticated meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
Sauce and Toppings
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, button)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt, then slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make Brown Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir occasionally and watch closely until the butter foams and turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. Remove from the heat if it starts to darken too quickly to prevent burning.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the browned butter, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown beautifully.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well with the mushroom and brown butter mixture. Gradually add the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon juice for brightness. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use a combination of mushrooms for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Avoid rinsing mushrooms with water as it can make them soggy; clean with a damp paper towel instead.
- Optional additions like cooked chicken, turkey bacon, or a splash of cream can be added for a richer, more substantial dish.
Keywords: brown butter mushroom pasta, creamy mushroom pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy mushroom pasta, vegetarian pasta dish
