Silky pappardelle pasta coated in a rich, garlicky mushroom cream sauce with earthy herbs and perfectly sautéed mushrooms—comfort food at its most luxurious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle is the epitome of cozy elegance—velvety sauce, hearty mushrooms, and broad pasta ribbons come together in a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz pappardelle pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle until al dente, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms, thyme, and oregano. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and golden, about 7–8 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3 minutes to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss gently to coat every ribbon in creamy goodness.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: approximately 25–30 minutes

Variations

Mixed mushrooms: Use a combination of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for deeper flavor.
Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra substance.
Herb twist: Swap dried thyme and oregano for fresh thyme or rosemary for a brighter herb profile.
Cheese upgrade: Replace Parmesan with Gruyère or Fontina for a richer, meltier sauce.
Lighten it up: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though sauce may be slightly thinner.

storage/reheating

Storage: Let the pasta cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess.
Freezing: Cream-based pasta can separate; for best texture, freeze just the cooked mushrooms and sauce separately from the pasta, then recombine and heat gently.

FAQs

1. Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes—fettuccine, tagliatelle, or wide linguine work well with this creamy sauce.

2. Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes. Cook and combine sauce with pasta, then refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid before serving.

3. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes—use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute.

4. How do I get mushrooms golden, not soggy?

Dry the mushroom slices thoroughly and cook over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan, allowing moisture to evaporate as they brown.

5. Can I reduce the cream content?

Yes—reduce to ⅓ cup cream and add ⅓ cup of pasta water for a lighter sauce.

6. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, frozen peas, or sautéed asparagus tossed in at the end adds color and nutrition.

7. What cheese works best?

Parmesan is traditional. Pecorino Romano adds a sharper bite, while Gruyère offers nuttiness and gooey melt.

8. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free pappardelle or another wide gluten-free pasta. Ensure the cooking time matches the package direction.

9. How long can leftovers be kept?

Up to 3 days refrigerated. Beyond that, texture and flavor degrade.

10. Can I add white wine?

Yes—deglaze the pan with ¼ cup dry white wine after sautéing mushrooms; allow it to reduce before adding cream.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle brings together the indulgent flavors of sautéed mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and velvety cream sauce over wide pasta ribbons. Elegant yet approachable, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings—and offers plenty of room for customization. Revel in its comforting richness, knowing it’s simple to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Enjoy!