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Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti

  • 12 ounces spaghetti, whole wheat or your favorite brand

Sautéed Mushroom Garlic Mixture

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

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
  • 23 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