Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta

A silky, luscious pasta tossed with sautéed mushrooms in a garlic‑cream sauce. Earthy mushrooms, garlic, and cream come together in this elegant yet simple dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, savory mushroom flavor
• Creamy sauce without being overly heavy
• Vegetarian-friendly (or add protein if you like)
• Minimal ingredients, maximum impact
• A comforting, restaurant-style pasta at home

Ingredients

• Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)
• Mixed mushrooms (cremini, button, shiitake), sliced
• Olive oil and/or butter
• Garlic, minced
• Shallot or onion, finely chopped
• Dry white wine or broth (optional)
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, season with salt, and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from pan.
3. Cook aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or butter, then sauté shallot/onion until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze: Optional: pour in white wine or broth to deglaze the pan; let it reduce slightly.
5. Make sauce: Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
6. Combine: Return mushrooms to the pan and stir. Add pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
7. Serve: Plate immediately, topped with grated Parmesan and chopped herbs.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
• Use garlic-infused oil for extra flavor
• Swap cream for a lighter milk + a spoon of cornstarch for thickening
• Add spinach or peas for color and extra veggies

Storage & Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk

FAQs

• Can I use dried mushrooms? Yes, rehydrate first and use their soaking liquid as part of the sauce.
• What if sauce is too thin? Simmer a bit longer or add a small cornstarch slurry.
• Can I omit cream? Yes—use broth and reduce further—but flavor differs.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta balances umami mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and a silky cream sauce into a dish that feels indulgent yet homey. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or special weeknight meals.

---

Hearty Beef and Bean Macaroni Soup

Short description

A comforting, protein-rich soup combining ground beef, beans, macaroni pasta, and vegetables in a tomato-based broth. Filling, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying one-pot meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-in-one meal—beans, pasta, protein, and veggies
• Hearty and comforting for colder weather
• Easy to make and scale
• Protein and fiber from beans make it nutritious
• Flexible ingredients depending on what you have

Ingredients

• Ground beef (or turkey)
• Onion, chopped
• Carrot and celery, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Beef or chicken broth
• Beans (kidney, cannellini, or mixed)
• Macaroni or small pasta
• Italian seasoning, paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
2. Add garlic, cook briefly. Add ground beef and brown, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add diced tomatoes, broth, beans, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add macaroni and cook until tender (about 8–10 minutes).
5. Adjust seasoning.
6. Serve hot, topped with herbs and optional grated cheese.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat
• Add spinach, zucchini, or bell pepper
• Use different pasta shapes or gluten-free pasta
• Spicy version: add red pepper flakes or hot sauce

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days
• Freeze portions (without pasta) for up to 2 months
• Reheat—soup may thicken; add broth to loosen

FAQs

• Will pasta soak up broth? Yes—if storing, you may want to slightly undercook pasta or store pasta separately.
• Can I omit meat? Yes. Increase beans and maybe add extra vegetables.
• Can I make it in a slow cooker? Yes—brown the meat first, then combine and cook in slow cooker 4–6 hours.

Conclusion

Hearty Beef and Bean Macaroni Soup is a satisfying, nourishing meal that hits all the comfort food notes. With pantry staples and simple steps, it’s a reliable choice for family dinners or meal prep.

---

Print