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Creamy Oyster Mushroom Pasta

Tender oyster mushrooms sautéed in garlic butter and tossed with pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this vegetarian-friendly dish delivers restaurant-quality gourmet comfort food.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta fettuccine, tagliatelle, or penne
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 10 oz oyster mushrooms torn or sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh
  • 1-2 tablespoons salt for pasta water
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup pasta cooking water reserved
  • fresh parsley or chives chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large 12-inch skillet or pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or pasta fork

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water (1-2 tablespoons salt) to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large 12-inch pan over medium heat until butter foams. Add oyster mushrooms, spreading them out as much as possible, and cook for 5-7 minutes without stirring initially, until golden brown and tender with edges curled.
  3. Add minced garlic and thyme to the mushrooms. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream, stirring to incorporate the browned bits from the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Season sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Add reserved pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time, stirring between additions until you achieve desired sauce consistency.
  6. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss with tongs for 1-2 minutes until every strand is well coated and everything is heated through.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Betty's Tips: Reserve pasta water before draining - it's essential for creating a silky sauce. Use a 12-inch pan to avoid overcrowding mushrooms. Don't stir mushrooms immediately; let them brown for best flavor. Add pasta water gradually (1-2 tablespoons at a time) to avoid making the sauce too thin. For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when cooking the mushrooms. This dish is best served immediately, as the sauce thickens upon standing. Reheat gently on stovetop at medium-low heat (275-300°F) with added cream or milk.
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