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
Units
Scale
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.