Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle

Name: Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g tagliatelle pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 400g mushrooms, sliced; 200ml heavy cream; 50g grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Ideas

I absolutely love making Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle because it's a dish that brings comfort and culinary joy to our table. The earthy flavors of mushrooms combined with the creamy sauce create a luxurious experience. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, I can whip up a delightful meal that impresses family and friends alike. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never fails to satisfy our cravings for something rich and flavorful.

Created by

Emma Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-08T15:41:41.437Z

Throughout my culinary journey, I've learned that the best recipes often stem from a simple idea and a love for cooking. When I first tried making Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle, I was amazed by how just a handful of ingredients transformed into something so delightful. For me, the secret lies in letting the mushrooms sauté until they are golden, allowing their natural flavors to shine through.

I also recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness—this detail elevates the dish from good to extraordinary. When you combine this with a splash of pasta water for creamy consistency, you achieve a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the tagliatelle.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and earthy mushroom flavor with a luxurious creamy sauce
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile dish that can be served as a main or side

      

Understanding Your Ingredients

The star of this Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle is undoubtedly the mushrooms. I prefer using a mix of cremini and shiitake for a deeper flavor profile, but you can easily substitute with button mushrooms if that's what you have on hand. Just remember that the type of mushroom you choose can significantly influence the dish's overall taste and aroma. The key is to cook them until they are golden brown and release their juices, which helps build the sauce's flavor.

Another crucial component is the heavy cream. It transforms a simple pasta dish into something luxurious and rich. If you're looking to lighten it up, you could substitute half-and-half, but keep in mind that this may affect the creaminess. For a dairy-free version, opt for coconut cream or cashew cream, but be aware that these alternatives will provide a different flavor profile that might require adjustments in seasoning.

Perfecting the Sauce

When making the creamy sauce, it's important to simmer the heavy cream gently rather than letting it boil vigorously. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle, ruining the texture. Stir frequently and monitor closely until it reaches a glossy consistency, and then incorporate the Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds a savory element, enhancing the richness of the sauce. Adjusting the seasoning at this stage is essential; a pinch of nutmeg can add an intriguing depth without overwhelming the other flavors.

Lastly, don't forget to save that cup of reserved pasta water! It's an invaluable resource for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Adding a bit of this starchy water can help the sauce cling to the pasta better. If you're finding your sauce too thick after combining, adding a little pasta water can effortlessly transform it into a lusciously creamy coating.

Ingredients

For the Tagliatelle

300g tagliatelle pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
400g mushrooms, sliced
200ml heavy cream
50g grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

Add the drained tagliatelle to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the mushrooms while sautéing.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle is simple. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep in mind that pasta can absorb the sauce, so it might dry out a bit. To refresh it, simply reheat on low heat in a skillet with a splash of additional cream or reserved pasta water until warmed through and the sauce reaches a creamy consistency again.

Alternatively, this dish can be frozen. However, the texture of the cream may change upon thawing, so it's best to freeze it without the sauce. Just cook the pasta and mushrooms, cool them down, and freeze in portions. When ready to enjoy, defrost and prepare the creamy sauce separately, combining everything just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle can be served on its own as a fulfilling meal, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette complement the rich flavors of the pasta perfectly. For added texture, consider serving this dish alongside garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up any leftover sauce.

For a more substantial meal, you could add protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp. These proteins can be seasoned and cooked separately before being tossed into the pasta, providing an additional layer of flavor and satisfaction. Just remember to keep the seasoning of the added proteins compatible with the earthy mushroom profile to maintain balance in the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute tagliatelle with fettuccine or any pasta of your choice.

→ Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian as it mainly uses mushrooms and cream.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water.

→ Can I freeze the Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle?

While it's best fresh, you can freeze it. Before freezing, ensure it cools completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw before reheating.