A classic Italian recipe, this creamy pasta with mushrooms is simple to make and delicious. It's good as the main entrée or a side dish. Fresh mushrooms are used in the recipe, although frozen mushrooms can also be used. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This recipe pairs perfectly with Garlic Bread and Caesar salad or Garden Salad. It serves about 6-8 people.
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What is Creamy Pasta?
Creamy Pasta is a pasta dish that typically includes a creamy sauce made with cream, cheese, butter, or olive oil. There are many variations of creamy pasta, but they often include ingredients like mushrooms, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Creamy pasta dishes are often served as a main course and can be made with various pasta shapes, including linguine, fettuccine, or penne. They are a popular comfort food and are enjoyed in Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing the mushrooms, onions, and garlic and to coat the pasta. It adds flavor and richness to the dish.
- Sliced mushrooms: The mushrooms provide a meaty and earthy flavor to the pasta. They are sautéed until golden brown, adding depth and texture to the dish.
- Onion: Thinly sliced onions are caramelized, creating a sweet and savory flavor that complements the mushrooms. They add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic is added to the onions and mushrooms to enhance the overall taste and aroma. Garlic adds a distinct savory note and complements the other ingredients.
- Paprika: Paprika brings a subtle smokiness and mild heat to the dish. It adds a touch of complexity to the flavor profile.
- Ground pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and warmth to the dish. It complements the other flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- Knorr chicken-flavored bouillon: This bouillon adds a savory and rich chicken flavor to the pasta. It helps to deepen the overall taste of the dish.
- Whole-wheat spaghetti: The pasta serves as the base of the dish. It cooks until al dente and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients. Whole-wheat spaghetti adds a nutty and wholesome element to the dish.
- Full-fat sour cream: Sour cream provides the sauce with a creamy and tangy element. It adds richness and a velvety texture to the pasta.
- Red wine vinegar: The vinegar adds a tangy and slightly acidic note to balance the dish's richness. It helps to brighten the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro or Italian parsley: Chopped cilantro or parsley is added to the pasta for freshness and a pop of green color. It adds a herbaceous flavor to the dish.
- Green onion: Thinly sliced green onions are used as a garnish for added flavor and freshness. They add a mild onion flavor and a vibrant touch.
- Fresh shredded Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on the pasta for a salty and nutty flavor. It adds richness and depth to the dish.
Tools you'll need
- large pot
- Colander
- Large serving bowl
- Measuring cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Large wooden spoon
- Cooking tongs
How to Make Creamy Pasta
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add one tablespoon of salt, drizzle a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and the pasta, and cook according to the directions on the package. Set aside 1-½ cups of the cooking water before draining the pasta.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of extra olive oil in a large wide pot over high heat. Add the mushrooms, toss well, and saute for about 5 minutes over high heat, then turn down to medium heat as the mushrooms develop some color and the water evaporates. Remove the mushrooms from the pan. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onions to the pan and toss well. Saute another 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the mushrooms to the pan and stir in the paprika, chicken bouillon, and ground black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the pasta, ¾ cup cooking water, sour cream, and vinegar to the mushroom-onion mixture. Toss until the pasta is well coated and slightly saucy, gradually adding the remaining cooking water.
Add half the cilantro, green onion, and shredded Parmesan cheese to the pasta and toss; taste and season with salt and pepper, if necessary. Divide among bowls and top with the remaining cilantro, green onion, and shredded Parmesan. Enjoy our Delicious Creamy Pasta with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Extra-virgin olive oil: You can substitute it with cooking oils like vegetables, canola, or sunflower.
- Sliced mushrooms: If you don't have the specific types mentioned in the recipe, you can use other varieties, such as button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, or shiitake mushrooms.
- Onion: Feel free to use different types of onions based on your preference, such as yellow onions, red onions, or shallots.
- Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic cloves, use garlic powder or paste as a substitute. Adjust the quantity according to your taste.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor, but if you don't have it, you can use regular paprika or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Ground pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor, but you can also substitute with pre-ground black pepper.
- Knorr chicken-flavored bouillon: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable bouillon or vegetable stock instead. Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
Variations
- Add protein: To make the dish more filling and protein-packed, add cooked chicken breast, sliced cooked sausage, or sautéed shrimp to the pasta. Cook the protein separately and add it to the pasta, mushrooms, and onions.
- Vegetable variations: Incorporate other vegetables to add color and flavor. You can sauté bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and onions. Roasted cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes can also be a tasty addition.
- Creamy alternatives: You can experiment with other creamy ingredients instead of sour cream. For a dairy-free option, try using cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, or a cashew cream sauce.
- Herb substitutions: If you prefer something other than cilantro or parsley, try using fresh basil, dill, or thyme. These herbs will bring a different flavor profile to the dish.
- Cheese choices: While Parmesan cheese is traditional, you can use other cheeses for a unique twist. Goat cheese, Gruyère, or blue cheese can add a distinct flavor to the creamy pasta.
- Spicy kick: If you enjoy some heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dish while sautéing the mushrooms and onions. This will give the pasta a spicy kick.
- Creamy mushroom sauce: You can create a different sauce instead of coating the pasta with the sour cream mixture. Blend cooked mushrooms, onions, and sour cream with vegetable or chicken broth until smooth. Toss the cooked pasta in this sauce for a creamier texture.
- Herb-infused oil: Infuse the olive oil with rosemary, thyme, or garlic before sautéing the mushrooms and onions. This will add an extra layer of aromatic flavor to the dish.
How to Serve
To serve the Creamy Pasta with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions, start by dividing the pasta among individual serving bowls. Ensure each portion is generously coated with the creamy mushroom-onion sauce. Next, sprinkle the remaining chopped cilantro or Italian parsley, green onions, and shredded Parmesan cheese on each bowl for added freshness and flavor. The vibrant green herbs and the savory Parmesan will create an appealing visual presentation.
You can also garnish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of paprika for extra color and flavor. Serve the pasta immediately while it's still warm and the flavors are at their peak. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. Enjoy this comforting and creamy dish as a satisfying main course.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To reheat: Warm it on the stovetop or use a microwave when reheating. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to a pan and gently heat the pasta over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
If using a microwave, transfer a portion of the pasta to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature. Check the consistency and add a splash of water or sauce if needed. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
Make-Ahead
This creamy pasta without the cheese can be prepared a day ahead, refrigerated, and covered for up to 2 days. Reheat over a stovetop over medium heat until heated (adding a splash of water if needed). Add the grated cheese before serving. Alternatively, you can heat it in the microwave.
Tips for The Best Creamy Pasta
- Use the right pasta: Different types of pasta work better with different sauces. For creamy pasta dishes, choose a shape that can hold onto the sauce, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
- Use quality ingredients: Using fresh herbs, good-quality cheese, and other high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Don't skimp on the sauce: The sauce makes creamy pasta delicious, so don't be afraid to make a little extra.
- Use pasta water: Adding some of the starchy pasta water to the sauce helps to thicken it and create a creamier texture.
- Cook the sauce low and slow: To prevent it from breaking or separating, cook it over low heat and stir it often.
- Add the cheese at the end: If using cheese, add it to the sauce at the end of the cooking process, just before serving. This will help prevent it from clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Season well: Creamy pasta dishes can be rich, so season well with salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook until it is al dente or just cooked through with a slight bite. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy and ruin the texture of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use any pasta for creamy pasta dishes?
You can use any pasta you like. However, some pasta shapes work better with creamy sauces than others. For example, long, thin pasta like linguine or fettuccine are great choices, as they can hold onto the sauce.
What kind of cheese is best for creamy pasta dishes?
Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Asiago are great options for creamy pasta dishes. They add a salty, nutty flavor and help thicken the sauce.
How do I prevent my creamy pasta sauce from separating or curdling?
To prevent your creamy pasta sauce from separating or curdling, cook it over low heat and stir it often. Also, avoid adding cold ingredients (like cheese or cream) to a hot sauce, which can cause it to break.
How do I make a healthier version of creamy pasta?
To make a healthier version of creamy pasta, use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and add plenty of vegetables. You can also use whole-grain pasta for added fiber.
Related Recipes:
- Tuna Pasta Casserole
- Beef Braciole with Buttered Pasta
- Baked Pasta
- Creamy Fettucine
- Greek Spaghetti with Garlic Bread
- Baked Ziti
Recipe
Easy Creamy Pasta
Tools
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 8- ounce containers of sliced mushrooms (white, cremini, or a mix)
- 1 large onion , halved and thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons knorr chicken-flavored bouillon
- 12 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
- ⅓ cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- ½ cup fresh cilantro or Italian parsley , chopped
- ½ small bunch green onion , thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh shredded Parmesan
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add one tablespoon of salt, drizzle a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package. Set aside 1-½ cups of the pasta cooking water before you drain the pasta.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of extra olive oil in a large wide pot over high heat. Add the mushrooms, toss well and saute for about 5 minutes over high heat, then turn down to medium heat as the mushrooms begin to develop some color and the water from them evaporates. Remove the mushrooms from the pan. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onions to the pan and toss well. Saute another 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan and stir in the paprika, chicken bouillon, and ground black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the pasta, ¾ cup cooking water, sour cream, and vinegar to the mushroom-onion mixture. Toss until the pasta is well coated and slightly saucy, gradually adding the remaining cooking water as needed.
- Add about half each of the cilantro, green onion, and shredded Parmesan cheese to the pasta and toss; taste and season with salt and pepper, if necessary. Divide among bowls and top with the remaining cilantro, green onion, and shredded Parmesan. Enjoy our Delicious Creamy Pasta with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions. Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To reheat: Warm it on the stovetop or use a microwave when reheating. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to a pan and gently heat the pasta over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.