If you are craving a comforting yet elegant pasta dish that comes together in one pan with effortless flair, you will absolutely adore this One Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Mushroom Pasta Recipe. It perfectly balances earthy mushrooms, rich garlic butter, and the sharp tang of Parmesan, creating a luscious sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of spaghetti. The best part? This delightful meal cooks in a single pot, which means you spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying the hearty, creamy goodness with your loved ones. It is a show-stopping dinner that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh garlic that awakens your senses, to the creamy cheeses that create indulgence in every bite, these components come together harmoniously.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Acts as the flavor base for sautéing garlic and mushrooms, adding a fruity richness.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a fragrant, aromatic punch that complements the earthiness of mushrooms.
- 1 pound sliced mushrooms: Brings meaty texture and deep umami character; doubling the quantity amps up the mushroom love.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and a subtle complexity to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, making the dish perfectly balanced.
- 5 cups vegetable broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta and mushrooms with savory depth; milk can be swapped in for extra creaminess.
- 1 pound spaghetti (uncooked): The sturdy pasta that soaks up the garlicky, buttery sauce beautifully.
- 2-3 tablespoons butter: Elevates the richness and rounds out the sauce with a silky finish.
- 3-6 oz cream cheese or soft goat cheese: Adds luscious creaminess and a slight tang, customizable depending on your preference.
- 3 ounces finely grated Parmesan: The crowning glory that provides salty, nutty notes and melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.
How to Make One Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook them together until they soften and develop golden edges, about 4 minutes. This step unlocks the mushrooms’ umami magic and lets the garlic infuse its fragrant aroma, creating a mouthwatering foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Add Seasonings, Liquid, and Pasta
Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and salt, stirring them through the mushroom mixture to release their flavors. Pour in the vegetable broth, which will cook the pasta and blend all the ingredients, then add the uncooked spaghetti. Push the pasta down gently if needed so it’s mostly submerged. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the noodles absorbing the flavorful broth, softening perfectly in the same pot.
Step 3: Stir in Butter, Cheese, and Parmesan
Once the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated, stir in the butter, cream cheese (or goat cheese if you prefer), and the finely grated Parmesan. Mix well until the butter and cheeses melt into a luscious, creamy sauce that envelops the spaghetti. This final step transforms the dish into a velvety masterpiece that’s ready to serve immediately – a true celebration of rich, comforting flavors with minimal fuss.
How to Serve One Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh pop and a little crunch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over each serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few cracks of black pepper elevate the flavors beautifully. You could even add toasted pine nuts or grated lemon zest for a subtle twist that brightens the dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as the centerpiece of your meal but pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted or steamed vegetables offer vibrant color and nutrition. For bread lovers, a warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the One Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Mushroom Pasta Recipe in rustic bowls to highlight its homey appeal, or plate it elegantly with a delicate herb garnish for a dinner party. For a crowd-pleasing family meal, lay it out in a large serving dish where everyone can help themselves. For an extra special touch, top individual plates with shaved Parmesan curls and a sprinkle of chili flakes for quiet heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken over time, so it might need a gentle stir and a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Because of the dairy components, expect a slight change in texture but the flavors will still delight your taste buds.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little broth or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring regularly to ensure even heating without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne for a different texture. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since it may vary slightly.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I want a lighter option?
You can use soft goat cheese for a tangy touch, or a dollop of Greek yogurt stirred in after cooking for creaminess with fewer calories. Just be gentle heating yogurt to avoid curdling.
Is it okay to use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, chicken broth works wonderfully and adds a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that vegetable broth keeps the dish vegan-friendly if you opt for dairy-free substitutes.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits make great additions. Add them after cooking the mushrooms or toss in cooked protein just before serving.
How do I make this dish more creamy?
Using whole milk instead of vegetable broth or increasing the cream cheese will amp up creaminess. Adding a splash of heavy cream at the end also creates a luscious texture that’s pure indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Mushroom Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites to whip up when I want something comforting, delicious, and fuss-free. The way the mushrooms, garlic, and cheese meld together is pure magic, and the one-pot method means minimal mess and maximum flavor. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe the next time you want dinner that’s both impressive and easy—you’ll be amazed at how satisfying one pot can be!
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One Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful one pot garlic butter parmesan mushroom pasta that combines tender mushrooms, garlic, and rich cheeses cooked together with spaghetti in a vegetable broth base for a quick, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound sliced mushrooms (or double for more mushrooms)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups vegetable broth (can substitute milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 2–3 tablespoons butter
- 3–6 ounces cream cheese or soft goat cheese (adjust according to desired creaminess)
- 3 ounces finely grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil and cook garlic and mushrooms: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and the garlic is fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Add herbs, seasoning, liquid, and pasta: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and salt. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the uncooked spaghetti. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer until pasta is cooked: Let the pasta cook in the simmering liquid for about 10 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Stir in butter and cheeses: Remove from heat, then stir in the butter, cream cheese (or goat cheese), and grated parmesan until melted and well combined, creating a creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately: Plate the pasta and serve hot for a rich and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use milk instead of vegetable broth for a creamier texture.
- Adjust the amount of cream cheese or soft goat cheese to your preferred level of creaminess.
- Adding fresh herbs or extra parmesan on top enhances flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
- For a vegetarian diet, ensure the parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
