Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Pasta is a delightful combination of earthy mushrooms, tender asparagus, and a luscious cream sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare.
- Packed with fresh vegetables, making it both hearty and nutritious.
- Versatile enough to be customized with your favorite protein or made entirely vegetarian.
- Perfect for meal prep, reheating beautifully for a satisfying leftover option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Fresh mushrooms (e.g., cremini or button mushrooms)
- Asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and golden.
- Stir in the asparagus and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Yes, you can use any mushrooms you like, such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work wonderfully, but any pasta you prefer will be great.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan Parmesan.
4. How can I thicken the sauce without cream?
Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken the sauce.
5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently after thawing.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are excellent additions to this pasta.
7. How do I know when the asparagus is cooked?
Asparagus is ready when it’s bright green and tender-crisp, which usually takes 3-4 minutes.
8. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding the pasta.
9. What other herbs can I use?
Thyme, basil, or chives can be used to add more flavor to the dish.
10. How can I make this dish lower in calories?
Use a lighter cream or milk option and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Pasta is a quick, satisfying, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a show-stopping dinner, this recipe has you covered. Customize it to your liking and enjoy the flavors of fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta.
Print
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Treat yourself to this decadent Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Pasta, a comforting dish loaded with tender pasta, sautéed mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a luscious garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) penne or your favorite pasta
- Salt for boiling water
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the asparagus and garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to deglaze the pan.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter option.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- For a vegan option, use dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
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