If you’re craving a cozy, restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, this Creamy Pappardelle with Mushroom Sauce is the perfect choice. Wide ribbons of tender pappardelle pasta are coated in a silky, savory mushroom sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and cream. Every bite delivers deep, earthy flavor and luxurious texture, making this dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

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This Italian-inspired pasta recipe is naturally vegetarian, packed with umami, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, this comforting mushroom pasta never fails to impress.

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Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) pappardelle pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
16 oz (450 g) mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or portobello), sliced
1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook pappardelle according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Brown the Mushrooms
Add mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release moisture and develop a golden-brown color.
Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 5 minutes to concentrate flavor.
Make It Creamy
Lower heat and stir in cream, butter, and thyme. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pappardelle to the sauce and toss gently. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Finish and Serve
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

Use a mix of mushrooms for deeper flavor and better texture
Don’t overcrowd the pan—mushrooms brown best in space
Pasta water helps create a glossy, restaurant-style sauce
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Pasta Pairing: Pappardelle holds creamy sauces beautifully
Bold, Earthy Flavor: Mushrooms provide natural umami richness
Simple Ingredients: Minimal components, maximum taste
Vegetarian-Friendly: A hearty meatless meal that satisfies

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Substitutions & Variations

Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream and butter, skip Parmesan
Extra Greens: Add spinach or kale in the final minutes
Truffle Upgrade: Finish with truffle oil or truffle salt
Protein Boost: Add crispy bacon or grilled chicken

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make Ahead: Sauce can be prepared 1 day in advance
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water
Freeze: Freeze sauce only (without pasta) for up to 2 months

Serving Ideas

Serve with warm garlic bread or focaccia
Pair with a fresh arugula or mixed green salad
Add roasted vegetables for a balanced meal
Enjoy with sparkling water or a light red grape beverage

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 4 g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, tagliatelle, fettuccine, or linguine work well.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable.

Can I skip the cream?

Yes, substitute with milk or cashew cream for a lighter sauce.

What mushrooms are best?

Cremini and shiitake offer the most flavor, but any mix works.

This Creamy Pappardelle with Mushroom Sauce is a timeless comfort dish that brings rich Italian flavors straight to your table. With its velvety sauce, tender pasta, and earthy mushrooms, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Simple, satisfying, and undeniably delicious.