If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, the Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner is about to become your new weeknight obsession. This irresistible pasta is brimming with caramelized mushrooms, buttery garlic, and a generous dusting of cheese—all swirling together for a dining experience that feels restaurant-special, yet is so approachable to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Savory: The golden sautéed mushrooms and garlic release deep umami flavors that keep you coming back for forkful after forkful.
- Quick and Weeknight-Friendly: From boiling the spaghetti to garnishing with cheese, the entire Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner is ready in about 30 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients, Big Impact: With just a handful of pantry staples and a bright sprinkle of fresh parsley, every ingredient sings.
- Universally Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians, picky eaters, or just yourself, this dish satisfies every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner is proof that magic happens when simple ingredients are treated with care. Every component—from the mushrooms down to the cheese—adds layers of flavor and texture, resulting in a dish that feels so much greater than the sum of its parts.
- Dried spaghetti (1 pound): Use classic spaghetti for best texture, but feel free to swap in another long pasta if desired.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Butter brings creamy richness, while dividing it adds depth to both the sauté and the final sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Using oil along with butter helps prevent burning and adds extra flavor to the mushrooms.
- Cremini mushrooms (1 pound, sliced): Earthy and deeply savory, creminis caramelize beautifully for a robust mushroom flavor—white mushrooms work too if needed.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer and boosting all those savory flavors.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Lots of garlic steers this dish straight into “can’t-stop-eating” territory!
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a subtle kick of heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Pecorino Romano cheese (1/2 cup grated, plus more for serving): Sharp, salty, and perfect for melting into a luscious sauce. Parmesan is a solid backup if you don’t have Pecorino.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, coarsely chopped): Adds pops of color and freshness to balance the richness.
Variations
This Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner is incredibly easy to make your own—think of it as a delicious canvas! Play around with additions, swaps, or shortcuts to fit your favorite flavors, dietary needs, or simply what’s hanging out in your fridge.
- Add a Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or chickpeas at the last minute to turn this into a hearty main.
- Go Vegan: Use vegan butter and swap the Pecorino Romano for nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based “parmesan.”
- Try Different Mushrooms: Use a mix of wild mushrooms, shiitakes, or portobellos to add new flavors and textures.
- Bump Up the Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or arugula at the end for a burst of color and nutrients.
How to Make Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—be generous with the salt for the most flavorful pasta! Add the spaghetti and cook until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package instructions (usually about 7 to 9 minutes). Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water before draining; that starchy liquid is gold for finishing your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, seasoning generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture, turn golden, and develop savory depth—about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this part; good browning means flavor!
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Butter
Lower the heat slightly if needed, then add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if you love a little heat), and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir constantly for about a minute, just until the garlic turns fragrant and you can’t help but close your eyes and inhale.
Step 4: Toss and Finish
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet, followed by the reserved pasta water and Pecorino Romano cheese. Toss the mixture well over medium heat—watch as the cheese melts and a glossy sauce begins to cling to every strand. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and give it one final toss to brighten everything up. Serve hot, with extra cheese and perhaps a crack of pepper.
Pro Tips for Making Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner
- Mushroom Browning 101: Give your mushrooms space in the pan—crowding keeps them from caramelizing and developing deep flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: That reserved pasta water contains starch, which transforms your cheesy-buttery liquid into a luscious, clinging sauce.
- Finish Off-Heat for Creaminess: After everything’s tossed together, remove from direct heat to keep the sauce creamy rather than stringy or greasy.
- Layer Your Seasonings: Season each component—mushrooms, pasta, and final sauce—to build the best, most balanced flavor throughout your Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner.
How to Serve Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner
Garnishes
Shower every bowl with extra Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan if you’d like), a flurry of additional parsley, and a few turns of the pepper mill. For a final flourish, add a drizzle of grassy olive oil or spicy chili oil—these little touches make your Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner shine!
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or some garlicky steamed broccoli. A loaf of crusty bread (for mopping up any leftover sauce) is always a hit, and if you’re feeling decadent, a glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Twirl the spaghetti high onto plates with tongs for a restaurant-style effect, or serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, casual vibe. For special occasions, try plating in shallow bowls and finishing with oversized shavings of cheese and a sprinkle of microgreens for color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, though the flavors deepen and mingle even more after a rest!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. The spaghetti will keep well for up to 2 months. Just know the texture will be a little softer after thawing—still tasty, but best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Reheating
Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or a knob of butter to help revive the sauce’s creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave small portions—with quick pauses to stir between bursts—for a fast and comforting meal.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic choice, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even shorter shapes like penne. The sauce and mushrooms complement almost any variety—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
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What if I can’t find Pecorino Romano?
Parmesan is the best alternative and blends well in the sauce. If you’d like a slightly nuttier, milder profile, Grana Padano is another great option. Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast will work wonderfully for dairy-free diets.
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Can I add more vegetables to Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner?
Definitely! Toss in baby spinach or chopped kale at the end, or sauté bell peppers and zucchini with your mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
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Is this recipe spicy with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle background warmth rather than real heat. Omit them if you’re sensitive to spice, or double up for a kickier Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner a try the next time you want comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one gorgeous bowl. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again, and I’m confident it’ll become a favorite on your table too—happy cooking!
Print
Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Mushroom and Garlic Spaghetti Dinner that is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. This flavorful pasta dish combines savory cremini mushrooms, garlic, and Pecorino Romano cheese for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 7 to 9 minutes or according to package instructions.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and remaining butter. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reserve 3/4 cup of cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add pasta, reserved water, and cheese to the skillet. Toss over medium heat until cheese is melted and sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add parsley and toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve in bowls with extra cheese on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
