Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Introduction
This easy mushroom garlic spaghetti is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Creamy Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh parsley elevate tender cremini mushrooms tossed with whole wheat spaghetti for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti, whole wheat or your favorite brand
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4-6 garlic cloves, chopped
- Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
- 2-3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 2/3 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the chopped garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and reserved pasta water. Toss well with tongs until the sauce forms and coats the spaghetti.
- Step 5: Stir in the chopped parsley, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Reserve the pasta water to achieve a creamy sauce, as its starchiness helps thicken and bind the dish.
- Use fresh cremini mushrooms rather than canned for better texture and flavor.
- Try substituting Pecorino Romano with Parmesan if desired, though Pecorino provides a more robust flavor.
- Pre-sliced mushrooms save prep time without compromising taste.
- Long pasta noodles like spaghetti hold the sauce better than shorter shapes.
Storage
Store any leftover spaghetti in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, you can substitute cremini mushrooms with button mushrooms, shiitake, or portobello. Just adjust cooking time as some varieties may require more or less time to soften.
Is it okay to use regular Parmesan cheese instead of Pecorino Romano?
Absolutely. Parmesan will work fine, but Pecorino Romano adds a saltier and slightly sharper flavor that complements the garlic and mushrooms nicely.
PrintEasy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
This Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti is a simple, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender cremini mushrooms sautéed with garlic and tossed with whole wheat spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it offers a creamy texture thanks to reserved pasta water and a delightful umami boost from the mushrooms.
- 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
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti, whole wheat or your favorite brand
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4–6 garlic cloves, chopped
- Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
- 2–3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces of spaghetti according to package directions. When the pasta is done, reserve 2/3 cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles.
- Sauté mushrooms: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of sliced cremini mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
- Add garlic and season: Stir in 4-6 chopped garlic cloves and season with a pinch of kosher salt and ground pepper. Cook for 1 more minute to let the garlic release its fragrance.
- Toss pasta and cheese: With the skillet still on heat, add the drained spaghetti, 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and the reserved pasta water. Use tongs to toss everything together well, allowing the starchy water and cheese to form a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
- Finish with parsley and serve: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves. Serve immediately with additional Pecorino Romano cheese if desired.
Notes
- Don’t forget to reserve the pasta water! It contains starch that helps thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.
- Using fresh sliced mushrooms is preferable to canned for better flavor and texture. Pre-sliced mushrooms save prep time.
- Long pasta noodles like spaghetti work best so the sauce clings well and flavors infuse thoroughly.
- Pecorino Romano cheese offers a more robust flavor than Parmesan and is recommended for this dish.
- Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Keywords: Mushroom garlic spaghetti, easy pasta recipe, cremini mushrooms, Pecorino Romano pasta, vegetarian spaghetti
