Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta (No Cream!)

Pasta with Mushrooms in Creamy Tomato Sauce served in a nonstick pan.

5 from 30 votes

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta (No 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 simple to make and delicious and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Italian

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: to 6 people

Calories: 491kcal

Author: Kushi

Ingredients

450 g Pasta of your choice (Trottole pasta used here)
1 tablespoon Butter
1 medium Onion chopped
2 cloves Garlic chopped
10 large Mushrooms chopped lengthwise
650 g Pasta sauce (1 jar)
1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder or Cayyenne powder (optional)
1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated, or other melting cheese
½ teaspoon Salt to taste
8 leaves Basil or mint

Instructions

Cook pasta according to the package instructions.
450 g Pasta
Heat Butter/Olive oil in a non-stick pan. Add onion and garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, and saute till onion becomes translucent.
1 tablespoon Butter, 1 medium Onion, 2 cloves Garlic, ½ teaspoon Salt
Now add mushroom and saute it till it is cooked and develops some color.
10 large Mushrooms
Add in the jar of pasta sauce, red chilli powder, and torn basil leaves, and cook on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
650 g Pasta sauce, 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder, 8 leaves Basil
Add grated cheese, drained pasta, and toss till everything is combined.
1 cup Parmesan Cheese
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta is now ready. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

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 this pasta to the next level, garnish this with crispy bacon bits before serving.

Substitutions

Gluten-free or whole wheat pasta can be used in place of regular pasta. Any pasta shape may be used.
For different flavors, use Alfredo 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.

Nutrition