Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked linguine, draped in a luxuriously creamy mushroom sauce that's both elegant and comforting. This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a restaurant-quality meal you can create in your own kitchen in just 35 magical minutes! Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet midweek meal, this Italian-inspired creamy mushroom linguine will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently and let the cream simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add drained linguine directly into the mushroom cream sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, using reserved pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, creamy mushroom sauce coating the perfectly cooked linguine.
Tips
- Choose the Right Mushrooms: For maximum flavor, use a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, or porcini to add depth to your sauce.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing mushrooms, give them space to brown properly. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of developing a golden, caramelized exterior.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce. Always save a cup before draining your pasta.
- Temperature Control: Keep your cream sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan and chop parsley just before serving to maximize flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta sauces tend to thicken quickly, so serve and enjoy your linguine right after cooking for the perfect consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
