Creamy Farfalle Pasta with Mushrooms is a comforting and elegant dish that features al dente bowtie pasta tossed with sautéed garlic, mushrooms, and onions simmered in a rich heavy cream sauce. Flavored with dried thyme or sage and fresh parsley, and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese, this dish is both simple and delicious.
You’ll love this recipe because it highlights the earthy mushrooms and fragrant herbs in a creamy, luscious sauce that perfectly coats the tender pasta, making for a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 12 oz farfalle pasta (or gluten-free substitute)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 12 shiitake or baby portabello mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or sage
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
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Cook pasta al dente in salted boiling water according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
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In a non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add chopped onion and mushrooms; cook until softened and cooked through.
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Pour in heavy cream and bring to a low simmer. Stir frequently until sauce thickens slightly, about 5-10 minutes.
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Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
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Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme or sage, and mix in freshly chopped parsley. Adjust herbs to taste.
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Let pasta cook on low heat for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken further.
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Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Success
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Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente holds up best in creamy sauces.
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Use a mix of shiitake and portabello mushrooms for depth of flavor.
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Stir sauce frequently while simmering to prevent burning and ensure even thickening.
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Adjust garlic and herbs for personal flavor preference.
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Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds an umami boost.
Delicious Variations
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Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes to wilt greens into sauce.
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Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for tangy contrast.
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Use white wine to deglaze pan before adding cream for extra flavor.
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Top with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried mushrooms?
Yes, rehydrate them before cooking; adjust liquid amount accordingly.
How to make it vegan?
Use dairy-free cream, vegan butter, and vegan cheese alternatives.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta varieties.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Keep refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing cream sauces may affect texture; best to consume fresh.
Print
Creamy Farfalle Pasta with Mushrooms
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Comforting and elegant bowtie pasta tossed with sautéed garlic, mushrooms, and onions in a rich heavy cream sauce. Flavored with dried thyme or sage and fresh parsley, optionally topped with Parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious meal.
Ingredients
12 oz farfalle pasta (or gluten-free substitute)
1 tablespoon salted butter
½ cup finely chopped white onion
12 shiitake or baby portabello mushrooms, sliced
2 cups heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried thyme or sage
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
Cook pasta al dente in salted boiling water according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chopped onion and mushrooms; cook until softened and cooked through.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a low simmer. Stir frequently until sauce thickens slightly, about 5-10 minutes.
Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme or sage, and mix in freshly chopped parsley. Adjust herbs to taste.
Let pasta cook on low heat for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken further.
Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Don’t overcook pasta.
Use mix of mushrooms for depth of flavor.
Stir sauce frequently to prevent burning,
ensure even thickening.
Adjust garlic and herbs to your preference.
Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nice umami touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 14
Keywords: creamy mushroom pasta, farfalle with mushrooms, sage mushroom pasta, parmesan mushroom sauce, elegant pasta dinner
