Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With tender cremini mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and a creamy Pecorino Romano sauce, it’s a comforting pasta that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti, whole wheat or your favorite brand
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4-6 garlic cloves, chopped
• Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
• 2-3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Once done, reserve 2/3 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the chopped garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute to release the garlic’s fragrance.
4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and the reserved pasta water.
5. Step 5: Toss everything with tongs until a creamy sauce forms and coats the pasta evenly.
6. Step 6: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley leaves. Serve immediately with extra Pecorino Romano if desired and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Reserve the pasta water carefully; its starch helps create a creamy sauce that regular water cannot replace.
• Use fresh cremini mushrooms instead of canned for better flavor and texture.
• Try other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine if you prefer.
• For a stronger cheese flavor, use Pecorino Romano rather than Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Yes, button mushrooms or shiitake work well, but cremini mushrooms provide a nice balance of flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely, just substitute the spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as usual.

Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

This Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish featuring tender cremini mushrooms sautéed with garlic, tossed with whole wheat spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it boasts a creamy texture thanks to the reserved pasta water and a robust taste from the Pecorino cheese.

• Author: Lisa
• 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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spaghetti

• 12 ounces spaghetti, whole wheat or your favorite brand

Sautéed Mushroom Garlic Mixture

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4–6 garlic cloves, chopped
• Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
• 2–3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 12 ounces of spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 2/3 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook them until they become tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped 4-6 garlic cloves and season the mixture with a pinch of kosher salt and ground pepper. Cook for an additional minute to allow the garlic to release its fragrance.
3. Toss Pasta with Mushroom Mixture: Keeping the skillet on the heat, add the drained spaghetti to the mushroom and garlic mixture. Pour in the 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese along with the reserved pasta water. Using tongs, toss everything well until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce that evenly coats the pasta.
4. Add Fresh Parsley and Serve: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately, topping with additional Pecorino Romano cheese if desired.

Notes

• Don’t forget to reserve the pasta water! It adds starch that helps thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.
• For quicker prep, purchase pre-sliced mushrooms. Avoid canned mushrooms for best flavor and texture.
• Use spaghetti or other long pasta noodles as the sauce clings better to these shapes compared to shells or macaroni.
• Pecorino Romano offers a more robust flavor than Parmesan, making your dish uniquely savory and tangy.
• Store leftover pasta in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Keywords: mushroom garlic spaghetti, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian spaghetti, cremini mushroom pasta, quick dinner pasta, Pecorino Romano pasta