Description
A comforting and flavorful Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta made with sautéed cremini mushrooms, nutty browned butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This easy Italian-inspired vegetarian dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, delivering a rich and silky sauce that coats tender fettuccine pasta beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Brown Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz fettuccine or your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
- Brown the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir continuously and cook for 3–4 minutes until the butter foams and turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add 10 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to the browned butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–9 minutes until the mushrooms become tender and caramelized brown.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes more until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushroom and brown butter mixture. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss everything to combine, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a silky, smooth sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Add vegetables like spinach or peas, or proteins such as grilled chicken, to customize this dish.
- This pasta is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the sauce.
