Description
This Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring pasta tossed in a nutty brown butter sauce with sautéed mixed mushrooms, garlic, fresh parsley, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet simple to make.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
Sauce and Mushroom Mixture
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, button)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Prepare Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp paper towel to remove dirt, then slice them evenly for uniform cooking.
- Brown the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir occasionally and watch for the butter to foam and turn golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Be careful to remove it from heat before it darkens too much to avoid burning.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the browned butter. Stir to coat them evenly and cook for 5–7 minutes until they release their moisture and develop a nice brown color.
- Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced garlic along with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the skillet with the mushroom-butter mixture. Toss well to combine, adding the reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To clean mushrooms, avoid rinsing them under water as they absorb moisture easily; instead, wipe them with a damp cloth.
- Brown butter adds a nutty depth to the sauce, so be attentive while melting it to prevent burning.
- Reserved pasta water contains starch which helps to bind and thicken the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a savory, umami boost.
- Add lemon juice carefully to avoid overpowering the mushrooms but to enhance the overall brightness.
- Use a mix of mushrooms for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
