Creamy Garlic Mushroom Tagliatelle

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Tagliatelle is a rich and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender, earthy mushrooms with a luscious garlic cream sauce, perfectly coating fresh or dried tagliatelle noodles.

This comforting Italian-inspired dish is both satisfying and elegant, offering a creamy texture balanced by the deep flavor of sautéed mushrooms and the aromatic punch of garlic. It’s quick to make, yet impressive enough for a dinner party or a cozy weeknight meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal. The combination of garlic, mushrooms, and cream is timeless and comforting, while the fresh tagliatelle ensures a soft, tender bite that soaks up every bit of sauce.

The dish is incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and hits the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent. Every bite is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying without being overly heavy.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it brings classic Italian flavors to your home in a simple, approachable way. The earthy mushrooms pair beautifully with garlic and cream, while the pasta provides a perfect base for the sauce.

It’s a versatile dish that works as a main course or a side, and it’s guaranteed to impress family or guests. Plus, it’s a vegetarian-friendly option that feels indulgent and comforting.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450–500 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 300g tagliatelle pasta (fresh or dried)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 400g mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, or chestnut), sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes for a subtle kick

Cooking Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tagliatelle according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden and tender.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Add cooked tagliatelle to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta with the creamy mushroom sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and chili flakes if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook pasta: Boil tagliatelle until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil and butter, sauté garlic 1 minute.
3. Cook mushrooms: Add mushrooms, salt, pepper, and thyme; sauté until golden (5–7 minutes).
4. Add cream: Reduce heat, pour in heavy cream, simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. Add cheese: Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
6. Combine with pasta: Toss cooked tagliatelle with sauce, add reserved water if needed.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley, Parmesan, and chili flakes.

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Garlic Mushroom Tagliatelle immediately while hot. Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. This dish works perfectly as a main course for a vegetarian dinner or as a side to grilled chicken or fish.

Recipe Tips

• Use a mix of mushrooms for deeper flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture allows the sauce to cling beautifully.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it coat the noodles evenly.
• For extra richness, stir in a teaspoon of truffle oil before serving.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme enhance the freshness and presentation.

Variations

• Vegan: Use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan.
• Add protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier dish.
• Spicy mushroom tagliatelle: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeño for a kick.
• Cheesy mushroom pasta: Stir in extra Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a cheesier sauce.
• White wine version: Deglaze mushrooms with 1/4 cup dry white wine before adding cream for a more complex flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for best texture, as cream sauce may separate when frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q: Can I use dried mushrooms instead of fresh?
A: Yes, soak dried mushrooms in warm water for 20–30 minutes before cooking, then drain and add to the pan.

Q: Can I use other pasta types?
A: Yes, fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle work well with creamy sauces.

Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce butter slightly.

Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
A: You can prepare the mushroom cream sauce a day ahead, but add cooked pasta just before serving to maintain texture.

Q: How do I make it extra creamy?
A: Stir in additional cream or a small amount of cream cheese for extra richness.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Tagliatelle is a comforting, luxurious pasta dish that is both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender pasta, earthy mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and creamy sauce makes it a standout dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and indulgent taste, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian-inspired cuisine.