Mushroom Cream Penne with Garlic Butter

Mushroom Cream Penne with Garlic Butter is the ultimate comfort food — a velvety, rich, and aromatic pasta dish that celebrates the earthy goodness of mushrooms combined with the irresistible allure of garlic butter and cream.

This dish is a harmony of textures and flavors: the tender pasta soaks up the silky cream sauce, while the mushrooms bring a deep, savory umami note that makes every bite indulgent and satisfying.

What makes this recipe exceptional is its simplicity and elegance. It feels like a restaurant-quality meal yet can be made easily at home with just a handful of ingredients.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Mushroom Cream Penne with Garlic Butter recipe because it combines everything I adore about comfort cooking — rich, creamy textures, bold garlic flavor, and perfectly cooked pasta. The mushrooms absorb the buttery cream sauce beautifully, creating a deep, earthy taste that balances the richness of the cream.

It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress — easy enough for a casual dinner yet luxurious enough for special occasions. I also love how versatile it is: you can add spinach, chicken, or even a hint of white wine to create endless variations. It’s the perfect example of how a few high-quality ingredients can transform into something extraordinary.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines the creamy decadence of classic Italian pasta with the rustic depth of mushrooms and the aromatic warmth of garlic butter. The sauce clings beautifully to the penne, creating a luscious bite every time.

It’s not just delicious — it’s deeply comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile: vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable to include protein like chicken or shrimp. In short, this dish brings gourmet flavor to your table with minimal effort.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 300 g penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Mushroom Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 300 g mushrooms (button, cremini, or mixed), sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)
• ½ cup milk (optional for thinning the sauce)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, to balance richness)

For Garlic Butter Finishing:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
   Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Add mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and soft.
3. Prepare the Cream Sauce:
   Lower the heat slightly and pour in heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add cooked penne to the sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Add milk if the sauce is too thick. Stir in parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
5. Finish with Garlic Butter:
   In a small pan, melt the butter and sauté one minced garlic clove for 30 seconds. Pour this garlic butter over the pasta and mix well.
6. Serve:
   Plate the pasta, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Boil water, add salt, and cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil. Add garlic and onion, sauté until translucent.
Step 3: Add mushrooms, cook until they release moisture and turn golden brown.
Step 4: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until creamy.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Melt butter in another pan, add garlic, and cook until fragrant. Pour this garlic butter over the pasta.
Step 7: Mix gently, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Mushroom Cream Penne with Garlic Butter immediately after cooking while it’s warm and creamy. Pair it with:

• Crusty garlic bread or buttered baguette
• Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water

For presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook the pasta — al dente pasta holds its shape better in creamy sauces.
• Sauté mushrooms properly to bring out their nutty, caramelized flavor.
• For extra richness, replace half the cream with mascarpone or cream cheese.
• Add a splash of white wine after cooking the mushrooms for extra depth.
• Always season gradually — the Parmesan adds saltiness too.

Variations

1. Chicken Mushroom Penne:
   Add cooked chicken breast slices or grilled chicken to the sauce for extra protein.
2. Spinach and Mushroom Penne:
   Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for color and nutrition.
3. Truffle Mushroom Pasta:
   Add a drizzle of truffle oil before serving for a gourmet touch.
4. Vegan Version:
   Replace cream with coconut cream, butter with vegan margarine, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
5. Spicy Mushroom Penne:
   Add a pinch of red chili flakes or smoked paprika for a little heat.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Do Not Freeze: Pasta that’s overcooked, as it may become mushy after thawing.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Deep skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Garlic press (optional)
• Cheese grater

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use any other pasta type?
Yes, you can substitute penne with fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle — any pasta that holds sauce well.

Q2: What mushrooms are best for this recipe?
Cremini, button, or a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or oyster provide excellent flavor and texture.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sauce ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Q4: Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be lighter and less creamy. Mix milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch for better texture.

Q5: How do I reheat without splitting the sauce?
Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream while stirring constantly.

Conclusion

Mushroom Cream Penne with Garlic Butter is a luscious, comforting pasta dish that combines simplicity with indulgence. The creamy garlic sauce, paired with earthy mushrooms and buttery undertones, makes this meal both rustic and refined.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels special without requiring much effort — perfect for a weeknight treat or a dinner party. Every forkful delivers rich, balanced flavors that make it hard to resist. Whether you’re a pasta lover, a mushroom enthusiast, or just craving something deliciously creamy, this dish will win your heart instantly.