Picture yourself twirling strands of perfectly cooked spaghetti coated in a garlicky, buttery sauce, complemented by the earthy richness of sautéed mushrooms. Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti is a dish that proves simplicity can be incredibly delicious. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavor-Packed: The savory mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and creamy Pecorino Romano cheese come together in a mouthwatering combination.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand.
- Customizable: Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or toss in vegetables for extra variety.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this satisfying dish.
Ingredients for Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Spaghetti | 1 pound | Can substitute with gluten-free spaghetti |
| Unsalted Butter | 3 tablespoons | Divided |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon | For sautéing |
| Cremini Mushrooms | 1 pound | Sliced for even cooking |
| Kosher Salt | To taste | Enhances the overall flavor |
| Black Pepper | To taste | Freshly ground for best results |
| Garlic | 6 cloves | Minced for maximum flavor |
| Red Pepper Flakes (optional) | ¼ teaspoon | Adds a hint of spice |
| Pecorino Romano Cheese | ½ cup | Plus more for garnish |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 tablespoons | Coarsely chopped for garnish |
How to Make Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti
1. Cook the Spaghetti
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and tender.
3. Add Garlic and Spice
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aroma and turn lightly golden.
4. Create the Sauce
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, letting it melt into the mushroom mixture.
- Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water, adding small amounts at a time, to create a silky sauce that coats the mushrooms.
5. Toss with Pasta
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh parsley, mixing thoroughly.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Divide the pasta into serving bowls.
- Top each plate with additional Pecorino Romano cheese and parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy warm.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?
Balanced Simplicity
This dish is an excellent example of how a few high-quality ingredients can create a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Rich and Silky Sauce
The combination of butter, garlic, and Pecorino Romano creates a creamy sauce that perfectly clings to each strand of spaghetti.
Mushrooms as the Star
Sautéed cremini mushrooms add depth and an umami flavor that elevates this pasta to a restaurant-quality dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420–480 |
| Protein | 12–15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55–60 g |
| Fat | 12–15 g |
| Fiber | 3–5 g |
Tips for Perfect Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and grated Pecorino Romano cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Don’t Overcrowd Mushrooms: Cook them in a single layer for even browning.
- Reserve Pasta Water: It’s crucial for adjusting the consistency of the sauce.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
FAQs About Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti
1. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
3. Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon would pair beautifully with the garlic mushroom flavors.
4. What other pasta shapes work with this recipe?
Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne are excellent alternatives to spaghetti.
5. How can I make it gluten-free?
Simply swap the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
6. Can I use Parmesan cheese instead of Pecorino Romano?
Yes, Parmesan is a great substitute and provides a slightly milder flavor.
Why You Should Make Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti Tonight
This recipe is the epitome of comfort and convenience. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. With its rich, buttery sauce and perfectly sautéed mushrooms, Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti is a dish that will impress your taste buds and your dinner guests alike.
So grab your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and let’s get cooking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti: A Simple and Satisfying Dinner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful garlic mushroom spaghettimade with cremini mushrooms, garlic, and Pecorino Romano cheese. Thissatisfying pasta dish is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with a pinch of salt, and cook until they are browned and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spice: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and takes on a light golden hue. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt into the mushrooms.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it with the mushrooms and garlic. Slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water, adding small amounts at a time, until the pasta is enveloped in a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese and Parsley: Remove from heat and sprinkle in the Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh parsley. Toss to combine, adding more salt and pepper to taste if needed.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, adding extra Pecorino Romano on top if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan if needed.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based butter and cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired