Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish combining nutty brown butter and earthy sautéed mushrooms with perfectly cooked pasta. The rich flavors are enhanced by fresh garlic, parsley, and optional Parmesan cheese, creating a deliciously comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
Brown Butter Mushroom Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, button)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms using a damp paper towel and slice them evenly for uniform cooking.
- Make Brown Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir occasionally until it foams and turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. Be careful to remove from heat if it starts to darken too quickly to avoid burning.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the browned butter, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the mushrooms become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it with the mushroom and brown butter mixture. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Final Touches: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon juice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To keep the mushrooms from becoming soggy, make sure to sauté them until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the seasoning.
- The reserved pasta water helps to bind the sauce and pasta together, adding silkiness.
- Adding lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness and contrast to the rich butter flavor.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten free.
Keywords: brown butter pasta, mushroom pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, brown butter mushroom sauce, Italian pasta
