Go Back

Vegetarian Garlic Butter Mushroom Pasta - Creamy, Cozy, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces dried pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
  • 1.5 pounds mushrooms, sliced (cremini, baby bella, or mixed wild mushrooms)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced (divide: 4 for cooking, 1 added at the end)
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari (for depth; optional but excellent)
  • Zest of 1 lemon, plus 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve about 1.5 cups of the starchy water, then drain.
  2. Heat the pan: In a wide skillet, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat until foamy.
  3. Brown the mushrooms: Add half the mushrooms in a single layer with a pinch of salt. Don’t stir for 2–3 minutes, then toss and cook until golden with crisp edges, 5–7 minutes total. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining oil, another tablespoon of butter, and the rest of the mushrooms.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Lower to medium heat. Add the shallot and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan with the final tablespoon of butter. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring so the garlic doesn’t brown.
  5. Deglaze: Pour in the white wine (or broth). Scrape up browned bits. Let it reduce by about half, 1–2 minutes.
  6. Build the sauce: Return all mushrooms to the skillet. Add soy sauce, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and a generous grind of black pepper. Stir to coat.
  7. Emulsify: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in 3/4 cup hot pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1–2 minutes until glossy and saucy. If it looks dry, add more pasta water a splash at a time.
  8. Finish: Turn off heat. Stir in Parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, and the remaining 1 clove of raw minced garlic. Toss until the cheese melts and everything is silky. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or more lemon.
  9. Serve: Twirl into bowls. Top with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and more parsley if you like.