When you’re craving something comforting yet elegant, Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner is the one dish that checks every box—earthy mushrooms, golden sautéed garlic, a swirl of silky pasta, and cheese that melts into every bite. This recipe transforms simple pantry favorites into a restaurant-worthy weeknight delight you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: The blend of deeply browned mushrooms and aromatic garlic creates a savory medley that feels positively luxurious in every forkful.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Results: You probably have almost everything on hand, but each staple ingredient makes a big impact in taste and texture.
- Weeknight Fast: This Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner comes together in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy evenings or satisfying a last-minute craving.
- Restaurant Vibes at Home: With silky, cheese-laced pasta and vibrant herby notes, even ordinary nights feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner is that you don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients that each play a starring role in taste, aroma, and eye appeal. Here’s what you’ll be gathering for your kitchen adventure.
- Dried Spaghetti: The classic base—its chewy bite soaks up all the garlicky mushroom goodness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps brown the mushrooms perfectly; dividing the butter means layers of flavor!
- Olive Oil: Blends with the butter for that signature Italian sauté—never skip this for the best mouthfeel.
- Cremini Mushrooms: The darker, meatier cousin of white mushrooms, creminis offer deep, earthy flavor and a gorgeous golden color when sautéed.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors.
- Garlic: Six cloves is no typo! Garlic brings an irresistible aroma and a mellow, sweet bite after cooking.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch brings gentle warmth—add more or less according to your taste buds.
- Pecorino Romano Cheese: Nutty, salty, and melty, this cheese turns the pan juices and pasta water into a luscious sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: For color, freshness, and that final herby lift—never underestimate a sprinkling of green.
Variations
Think of this Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner as your blank culinary canvas! Swap, add, or subtract ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or to suit any dietary whims. Here are a few delicious ways to make it your own:
- Make it Vegan: Replace the butter with vegan margarine or extra olive oil, and use your favorite plant-based cheese for a luscious, dairy-free spin.
- Pasta Twist: Try this with fettuccine, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta—any strand-y pasta works beautifully here.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed tofu for a heartier meal.
- Greens Upgrade: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or arugula in the last minute of cooking for color and a boost of nutrients.
How to Make Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil and drop in your spaghetti. Stir right away so nothing sticks, and cook until perfectly al dente (usually 7 to 9 minutes). Just before draining, remember to reserve about 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water—this is the secret to a glossy, starchy sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
While the spaghetti cooks, heat up 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and let them sizzle without moving too much—this ensures a golden-brown crust. After about five minutes (they’ll look glossy and smell heavenly!), add the minced garlic, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if using, and the rest of the butter. Sauté just until the garlic turns fragrant—about a minute.
Step 3: Finish the Pasta in the Pan
Now for the pan magic! Scoot your drained spaghetti right into the mushroom skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water and add the grated Pecorino Romano. Use tongs to toss everything together over medium heat, watching as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to coat every strand with garlicky, mushroom-y goodness—this only takes about two minutes.
Step 4: Add Parsley and Serve
When the sauce is silky and irresistible, sprinkle in the chopped parsley and give it a final toss. Serve your Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner straight away, garnished with extra cheese, an extra grind of black pepper, or another flurry of herbs. Heaven!
Pro Tips for Making Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner
- Golden Sear: Resist the urge to stir the mushrooms constantly—letting them sit ensures those deep, caramelized edges that build umami flavor.
- Save That Pasta Water: A splash of starchy cooking liquid is what makes the cheese turn into a creamy, clingy sauce instead of clumping.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Pecorino instead of pre-shredded—this melts smoother and brings sharper flavor to your pasta.
- Garlic Timing: Add garlic at the end of mushroom sautéing to avoid burning, keeping its flavor sweet and inviting rather than harsh or bitter.
How to Serve Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner
Garnishes
For a finishing touch worthy of your favorite trattoria, shower your Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner with extra grated Pecorino Romano, a sprig of fresh parsley, and another crack of black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil over the top can elevate the whole dish to new heights!
Side Dishes
This pasta is rich and savory, so pair it with sides that brighten the plate—think a simple lemony arugula or mixed greens salad, crisp Italian bread (perfect for mopping up sauce!), or even grilled asparagus for a springy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner by twirling the noodles into pretty nests using tongs, then topping each portion with extra mushrooms and a parsley flourish. Individual shallow bowls or pasta plates give it that cozy, restaurant feel at home—and don’t forget candles for a touch of weeknight romance!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer your cooled spaghetti to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch especially craveable.
Freezing
Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe containers and add a little extra splash of olive oil to keep things moist. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth—this helps the sauce loosen back up and brings everything together. A fresh sprinkle of cheese and parsley revives all the flavors!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of mushrooms in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are especially flavorful, you can swap in white button, shiitake, or even portobello mushrooms. Just aim for about a pound total and slice them evenly so they sauté at the same rate.
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What can I substitute for Pecorino Romano?
If Pecorino Romano isn’t in your fridge, Parmesan is a fantastic (and classic) alternative. You won’t lose any of the savoriness, but the flavor will be a touch more subtle and nutty.
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Is this Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner spicy?
Just a little! The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can control the spice by adding more, less, or leaving it out entirely—your kitchen, your rules.
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Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Cook the pasta and mushroom mixture separately, then toss together with cheese and parsley just before serving. The mushrooms can be sautéed up to 2 days in advance for true weeknight ease.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner becomes your new go-to comfort meal like it is for me—simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress. There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of this goodness after a long day, so give it a try and let the savory magic happen in your own kitchen!
Print
Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Boil
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner recipe that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This pasta dish is loaded with savory flavors of mushrooms, garlic, and cheese, making it a comforting meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 7 to 9 minutes or according to package instructions.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and remaining butter. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Combine and Serve: Reserve 3/4 cup of cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add pasta, reserved water, and cheese to the skillet. Toss until cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add parsley and toss to combine. Serve in bowls with extra cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
