Creamy Mushroom Pasta (without Cream!)

If you are craving a comforting bowl of creamy and cheesy pasta but want to skip the heavy cream, you are at the right place. This cheesy and creamy mushroom pasta recipe without cream is the perfect solution! It's simple to make, delicious and has all the cheesy goodness you crave. The recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, to pack homemade lunch in a rush, or even for date nights.

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients
• Substitutions and Variations
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Serving Suggestions for Mushroom Pasta
• Expert Chef Tips
• Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
• What Are The Best Mushrooms To Use With Pasta
• Recipe FAQs
• More Pasta Recipes to Love
• Recipe card
• User Reviews

Why you'll love this recipe

1. Quick and Easy: This mushroom pasta recipe can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave for homemade comfort food.
2. Creamy and Cheesy: Despite being cream-free, this pasta dish has a rich and creamy texture.
3. Healthier Alternative: This pasta dish is prepared without heavy cream, making it a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
4. Customizable: Add other vegetables to this dish to make it more colorful and nutritious, such as spinach or bell peppers, or proteins such as shrimp.

If you love quick meal ideas, then be sure to check out the easy orzo pasta with basil and tomatoes, vegan butternut squash pasta, lemon and garlic butter pasta, Homemade Pasta e Ceci (with chickpeas), and Indian-style Quinoa porridge with lentils. If you like mushroom dishes, then check out recipe for Spicy Garlic Mushroom and best recipe for Mushroom in Garlic Cream Sauce.

Ingredients

Pasta: It is the main carb source of this dish. I have used Trottole pasta in the recipe.

Pasta Sauce: Provides tomato flavor and richness to the dish. I have used simple marinara tomato pasta sauce here.

Butter: Used to sauté the mushrooms, onions, and garlic, adding flavor and richness to the dish.

Mushrooms: Adds an earthy flavor and meaty texture to the dish.

Onion and garlic: Provides the base flavor of the sauce.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish and helps to thicken the sauce.

Salt and pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

• Gluten-free or whole wheat pasta can be used in place of regular pasta. Any pasta shape, such as pappardelle, penne, rigatoni, gnocchi, etc., may be used.
• For different flavors, use Alfredo sauce, Gorgonzola sauce, Vodka sauce, meat-based sauce such as Ragu/Bolognese, pesto sauce, etc.
• Butter can be substituted with olive oil or any other cooking oil.
• Any variety of mushrooms can be used in this dish, such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms.
• Shallots or leeks can be used instead of onions, and garlic powder can be used instead of fresh garlic. Other seasonings, such as dried basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes, can be added for additional flavor.
• Parmesan cheese can be substituted with pecorino romano. Use nut-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Other melting cheese, such as mozzarella, Colby jack, etc., may also be used. I love to add goat cheese to this pasta whenever I have some in my pantry.

Recipe Variations

• Add proteins: You can add a variety of proteins to your mushroom pasta. Some popular options include grilled chicken, shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
• Add more veggies: Vegetables are a great way to add extra flavor and nutrients to your pasta dishes. Some popular options include spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.
• Make it extra creamy: If you're looking for a creamier mushroom pasta dish, you can add cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, half and half, milk, or a combination of these to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta according to the package instructions.

Step 2: Heat butter in a non-stick pan. Add onion and garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, and saute till onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add mushroom and saute it till it is cooked and develops some color.

Step 4: Add pasta sauce, red chilli powder, and fresh herbs of your choice, and cook on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5: Add grated cheese, drained pasta, and toss till everything is combined.

Serving Suggestions for Mushroom Pasta

Serve this pasta with fresh salad to balance the rich flavor of the pasta.

If you are in the mood to feast, add a hearty slice of bread on the side.

You can also serve this pasta with a side of sauteed kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, broccoli, roasted cauliflower, zucchini, etc. Baked sweet potatoes, Homemade Hasselback Potatoes also make a great choice of side.

Expert Chef Tips

• For best results, it is recommended that you shred the parmesan cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese typically contains preservatives that can hinder the cheese from melting evenly.
• Vegetarians who adhere to strict dietary guidelines should use parmesan cheese produced without rennet.
• If the leftover pasta appears dry, add a splash of water/milk/broth while reheating. The exact quantity of liquid depends on your preference for the sauce consistency.
• If you like the sweet flavor of onions, make sure to caramelize the onions in Step 2.
• To take it to the next level, garnish this with crispy bacon bits before serving.

Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or milk to restore the saucy and creamy texture.

You can make this mushroom pasta dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta separately and store in the refrigerator. Saute the aromatics such as onions and garlic in butter/oil, add pasta sauce, herbs and bring to a simmer. After the sauce cools down completely, store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, mix cooked pasta and sauce, and reheat with a splash of water or milk in a microwave or on the stovetop.

What Are The Best Mushrooms To Use With Pasta

• Button mushrooms: These are easily available in most markets and are a good choice for pasta. They have a mild flavor and a meaty texture.
• Cremini mushrooms: They are a larger and darker version of button mushrooms. They have a more intense flavor than button mushrooms.
• Portobello mushrooms: These large, meaty mushrooms are ideal for grilling or sauteing. They have a deep, earthy flavor and make a great addition to any pasta dish.
• Shiitake mushrooms: These mushrooms have a rich umami flavor.
• Oyster mushrooms: With their delicate and slightly sweet flavor they are great in stir-fries or pasta dishes.

Recipe FAQs

More Pasta Recipes to Love

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Recipe card

Note: This was earlier a sponsored post. Effective May 2023, the recipe and post has been modified with new content.