Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and depth of flavor. The combination of tender pasta and creamy mushrooms creates a perfect balance of texture and taste. It’s comforting, quick to make, and feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. The sauce clings beautifully to the wide pappardelle noodles, making each forkful irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pappardelle pasta
• Olive oil or unsalted butter
• Shallots or yellow onion, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster, or button), sliced
• White wine (optional)
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme or parsley
• Salt and black pepper
• Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pappardelle according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté the mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender.
3. Add aromatics: Stir in the shallots and garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in white wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
5. Make the sauce: Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, and stir gently until it thickens. Mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pappardelle and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme, parsley, and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking.

Variations

• Vegan version: Use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
• Add protein: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier meal.
• Mushroom mix: Combine different types of mushrooms for complex flavor—porcini or wild mushrooms add an extra earthy note.
• Truffle twist: Drizzle with a touch of truffle oil before serving for an elegant touch.
• Spinach or kale: Add a handful of greens at the end for extra color and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the sauce from separating. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the cream sauce may thicken when chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, tagliatelle or fettuccine work wonderfully if you can’t find pappardelle.

2. What mushrooms are best for this recipe?

A mix of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms offers the best flavor and texture combination.

3. Can I make this recipe without wine?

Absolutely—just skip the wine and add a splash of vegetable or chicken broth instead.

4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding cream and avoid boiling after the cream is added.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan and cream are certified gluten-free.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer gently for a few minutes or add more Parmesan cheese until it reaches your preferred consistency.

7. Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, as long as you use vegetarian Parmesan or omit it entirely.

8. Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately, then cook fresh pasta before serving for the best texture.

9. What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, earthy flavors beautifully.

10. How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Toss the drained pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil before adding it to the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle is a simple yet sophisticated pasta dish that celebrates the rich, earthy taste of mushrooms in a smooth, luxurious sauce. It’s the perfect comfort meal that feels gourmet but comes together in under half an hour. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for both weeknights and special occasions.

Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

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Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle is a rich, elegant pasta dish featuring wide ribbons of pappardelle tossed in a velvety mushroom cream sauce. With earthy mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and a touch of Parmesan, it’s comfort food elevated — perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 12 oz pappardelle pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
• 2 shallots or 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 oz mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster, or button), sliced
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pappardelle until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and tender.
3. Add aromatics: Stir in shallots and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in white wine (if using) and simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Make the sauce: Lower heat, add heavy cream, and stir gently until thickened. Mix in Parmesan, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Combine with pasta: Add cooked pappardelle and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until evenly coated.
7. Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a mix of cream and broth.
• Add truffle oil for an elevated flavor boost.
• Use a mix of wild mushrooms for the richest flavor.
• To make it vegan, use plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan.
• Don’t overheat the sauce — gentle simmering keeps it creamy and smooth.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 55mg