Mushroom Fettuccine
A rich and creamy pasta dish where earthy mushrooms are sautéed with garlic and tossed with fettuccine in a velvety parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the fettuccine in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Before draining, carefully reserve 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to allow them to brown. Stir and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until golden and their liquid has evaporated.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Reduce the heat to medium, add the chopped shallot to the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 4
Step 4
- a.If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes until it has reduced by about half.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low
- a.Stir in the heavy cream and vegetable broth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
- 6
Remove the skillet from the heat
- a.Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce, along with most of the chopped parsley. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking mushrooms; use a large skillet or cook them in batches to ensure they brown properly instead of steaming.
- 2Use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster for a more complex, earthy flavor.
- 3Always use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- 4Reserving pasta water is key. The starchy water helps the sauce emulsify and cling perfectly to the pasta.
- 5For an extra touch of luxury, finish the dish with a light drizzle of truffle oil just before serving.
- 6Do not rinse your pasta after draining. The starch on the surface helps the sauce adhere better.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crispy prosciutto to the pasta for a heartier meal.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Substitute the butter with vegan butter or more olive oil, use full-fat oat milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a touch of heat.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme or chopped rosemary when you add the garlic for a deeper, woodsy flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in B Vitamins
Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which are essential for converting food into energy and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Provides Antioxidant Selenium
Mushrooms contain selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps support the immune system and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
The fettuccine provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of fuel, making this a satisfying meal that can help replenish energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Mushroom Fettuccine contains approximately 750-850 calories, primarily from the pasta, heavy cream, butter, and cheese. The exact number can vary based on specific ingredients used.