Description
This Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender mushrooms sautéed in nutty browned butter, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal ideal for weeknights or any time you crave a comforting pasta with deep earthy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
Brown Butter Mushroom Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Brown Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook it for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Add the olive oil to the browned butter, then add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: If desired, add lemon juice to brighten the dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a combination of mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and oyster for more complex flavors.
- Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- This pasta pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main dish.
