Tender whole mushrooms are bathed in a luxurious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, subtly spiced and garnished with fresh parsley. Whether served as an indulgent side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main, this recipe delivers deep, savory flavor with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the earthy richness of mushrooms with the creamy decadence of a garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile—perfect as a side, a topping, or even a standalone entrée. The balance of textures and the umami depth make it a memorable addition to any meal, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 lbs whole cremini or button mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and trim the stems as needed.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms and sauté for 6–8 minutes, until browned and tender.
- Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or white wine. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Mushroom mix: Use a blend of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, and portobello for a more complex flavor.
- Dairy-free: Substitute the cream and cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.
- Spice it up: Increase the crushed red pepper or add a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Protein boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this into a hearty main course.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use sliced mushrooms instead of whole?
Yes, sliced mushrooms cook more quickly and absorb the sauce well. Adjust the sauté time accordingly.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator.
What can I serve with creamy mushrooms?
Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, toast, or alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water) and stir well.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Consider adding a bit of butter or flour to compensate.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complement the creamy, garlicky flavor nicely.
Are there low-fat options?
Use light cream or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative, though the texture may change slightly.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What type of Parmesan is best?
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting. Avoid pre-shredded varieties with added starch.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms are a richly flavored and versatile dish that comes together in minutes yet tastes like a gourmet creation. Whether you’re serving them as a decadent side or making them the centerpiece of a vegetarian meal, their bold flavor and creamy texture are sure to impress. Add them to your recipe collection for an easy, elegant dish that’s always a hit.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender cremini mushrooms are bathed in a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, finished with a hint of spice and fresh parsley—perfect as a rich side or vegetarian main.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs whole cremini or button mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel and trim stems if needed.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for 6–8 minutes, until browned.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in broth or wine, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm as a side dish or over pasta, rice, or toast.
Notes
- Use a mix of mushrooms for added texture and flavor complexity.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Great served over polenta or crusty bread for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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