How to long Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle Recipe in 30 Mins

Name: Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pappardelle pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 8 oz cremini or shiitake mushrooms, sliced; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup white wine (optional); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; Fresh parsley, for garnish

by: Julie

Published: March 16, 2025

A plate of creamy mushroom pappardelle with Parmesan and parsley, served on a rustic table with a glass of white wine.

Okay, let’s be real—there’s just something about creamy mushroom pappardelle that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. You’ve got silky ribbons of pasta, a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, and deeply savory mushrooms that make every bite pure magic. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy date night, this dish never disappoints.

What Makes the Sauce So Good?

The beauty of this sauce is in its simplicity. We’re talking about a handful of ingredients that work together to create something seriously indulgent. Fresh mushrooms, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan come together to make a sauce that clings perfectly to those wide, chewy pappardelle noodles. And let’s not forget the secret weapon—reserved pasta water! It helps emulsify the sauce, making it extra silky.

Nutritional Perks (Yes, Even in a Cream Sauce!)

Sure, this dish is indulgent, but it’s also got some sneaky health benefits:

Mushrooms: Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and a natural umami boost.
Garlic: Great for your immune system and adds bold flavor.
Parmesan: A little goes a long way for calcium and protein.
Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or fresh for added nutrients!

Love a good noodle dish? Check out these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for another comforting, flavor-packed meal idea!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Let’s be honest—some pasta dishes just hit differently. And creamy mushroom pappardelle? It’s in a league of its own. Wide, luxurious noodles soak up that rich, garlicky cream sauce, while mushrooms bring in a deep, savory goodness that makes every bite feel restaurant-worthy. But the best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or a chef’s touch to make it at home.

1. It Feels Fancy but Takes Minimal Effort

You know those meals that look like they took hours but secretly came together in under 30 minutes? This is one of them. You’ll be twirling forkfuls of silky pasta before you know it.

2. Perfect for Weeknights or Date Nights

Some nights, you just want comfort food—creamy, carby, and ridiculously satisfying. Other nights, you need something special to impress (without breaking a sweat). This dish works for both. Add a glass of wine, and you’ve got a foolproof date-night meal.

3. Naturally Vegetarian, but Easy to Customize

If you’re cooking for someone who doesn’t eat meat, this is a total win. But what if you do? Toss in some crispy bacon, shredded chicken, or even shrimp for extra protein.

4. It’s All About That Sauce

Creamy but not heavy, rich but not overpowering—it’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to mop up every last drop. And let’s be real, you’ll want some Swiss Chicken Casserole in your back pocket, too, for another creamy, cozy dinner option.

Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. This dish is proof that a few simple things—when used the right way—can turn into something downright magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Pappardelle Pasta

Pappardelle is the star of the show here. These wide, silky noodles hold onto the sauce like a dream. Can’t find pappardelle? Fettuccine or tagliatelle will work too!

2. Mushrooms (The More, the Better!)

Mushrooms are what make this dish special. Cremini, shiitake, or even wild mushrooms will add deep, earthy flavor. Want extra richness? Sauté them in a mix of butter and olive oil for golden, caramelized perfection.

3. Garlic & Shallots

Garlic gives that bold, punchy flavor, while shallots bring a little sweetness. If you don’t have shallots, a small onion works too!

4. Heavy Cream

The key to a luscious, creamy sauce. You can swap in half-and-half if you want to lighten it up, but full-fat cream gives the best texture.

5. Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan makes the sauce rich and slightly nutty. No pre-shredded stuff—it won’t melt right!

6. White Wine (Optional, but Recommended!)

A splash of white wine adds acidity and depth. If you don’t have it, a squeeze of lemon works, too.

7. Butter & Olive Oil

A mix of both helps the mushrooms brown beautifully while keeping the sauce silky.

Looking for another cozy pasta night recipe? Try Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for a totally different but equally comforting meal!

Must-Have Tools for the Best Pasta Night

Cooking isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about having the right tools to make everything come together easily. And when you’re whipping up creamy mushroom pappardelle, having a few kitchen essentials can make all the difference.

A step-by-step collage showing the process of making creamy mushroom pappardelle, from cooking mushrooms to plating the final dish.

creamy mushroom pappardelle, from cooking mushrooms to plating the final dish.

1. A Large Sauté Pan

You need plenty of space to cook the mushrooms properly. Overcrowding the pan means they’ll steam instead of brown, and we want that deep, golden color. If your mushrooms start releasing too much liquid, let them cook down until the moisture evaporates.

2. A Big Pot for Boiling Pasta

You want a large pot with plenty of salted water. (Seriously, don’t skip the salt—it flavors the pasta from the inside out.) The general rule? About 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 cups of water.

3. A Ladle for Pasta Water

Pasta water is liquid gold! It’s starchy, salty, and perfect for thinning out the sauce while helping it cling to the noodles. Always save at least a cup before draining your pasta—you’ll thank me later.

4. A Microplane for Fresh Parmesan

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce that nutty, salty kick. A microplane makes it super easy to get a fine, fluffy texture.

5. Tongs for Tossing Everything Together

Tossing the pasta with the sauce instead of just dumping it in helps evenly coat every strand. Pro tip: Use tongs to mix everything off the heat for the silkiest result.

If you love easy comfort food, check out this Swiss Chicken Casserole—another creamy, cozy dish worth making!

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle (Step-by-Step)

Alright, it’s go time! Making creamy mushroom pappardelle is easier than you think, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll have it on repeat. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pappardelle until it’s just shy of al dente (it’ll finish cooking in the sauce).
Before draining, scoop out at least a cup of that liquid gold—aka pasta water.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the mushrooms in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!). Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring so they get golden brown.
Toss in the shallots and garlic, cooking until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce

If using white wine, pour in a splash and let it reduce for about a minute.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, letting everything simmer gently.
Add a little pasta water to loosen the sauce and make it extra silky.

4. Toss It All Together

Add the drained pappardelle to the pan, using tongs to coat every strand in the sauce.
Let it cook for another minute so the flavors meld.
Finish with more Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Want another pasta night option? These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are just as satisfying!

Swaps & Substitutions for Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

Not everyone has a fully stocked pantry at all times (because, let’s be real, who remembers to buy heavy cream every week?). Luckily, creamy mushroom pappardelle is super flexible. Whether you’re out of an ingredient or need a dietary swap, here are some easy substitutions.

1. No Pappardelle? No Problem!

Pappardelle is ideal because of its wide, silky texture, but if you can’t find it, try:

Fettuccine – Similar in shape, just slightly narrower.
Tagliatelle – A close cousin to pappardelle, it is perfect for creamy sauces.
Linguine or Spaghetti – Not quite the same, but it still works!

2. Cream Alternatives

Don’t have heavy cream or want something lighter? Try these:

Half-and-half – A slightly lighter option that still keeps it creamy.
Whole milk + a bit of butter – This mimics cream’s richness.
Coconut milk – This works surprisingly well for a dairy-free version (just expect a hint of coconut flavor).

3. Mushroom Options

If cremini mushrooms aren’t available, try:

Portobello mushrooms – Meaty and flavorful.
Shiitake mushrooms – Add a more intense, umami kick.
Button mushrooms – This is the mildest option but still delicious!

4. Boosting the Flavor

Want to take it up a notch? Add crispy pancetta, sautéed spinach, or even a drizzle of truffle oil for extra depth.

For another cozy, creamy meal, check out this Swiss Chicken Casserole—perfect for a family dinner!

What to Serve with Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

A big bowl of creamy mushroom pappardelle is a meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, the right side dishes can take your pasta night to the next level. Whether you’re keeping it simple or going all out, here are some great pairings.

A cozy dining setup with a plate of creamy mushroom pappardelle, garlic bread, and a crisp green salad, served with a glass of wine.

1. A Fresh, Crisp Salad

A rich, creamy pasta dish loves something light and refreshing on the side. Try:

Arugula & Parmesan Salad – Peppery arugula with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Classic Caesar Salad – Crunchy romaine, garlicky dressing, and plenty of Parmesan.
Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella bring a bright contrast.

2. Garlic Bread (Because, Obviously)

Let’s be real—pasta night isn’t complete without something warm and toasty to mop up the extra sauce. Try:

Homemade garlic bread – Thick slices of crusty bread slathered with garlic butter.
Cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dunking into that creamy sauce.

3. Roasted Vegetables

For a healthier balance, roasted veggies add a nice texture and depth of flavor. Some top choices:

Brussels sprouts – Roasted until crispy with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Asparagus – A quick roast with olive oil and lemon brings brightness.
Mushrooms – Yes, more mushrooms! Roasting intensifies their flavor.

4. A Perfect Wine Pairing

A glass of wine takes this dish from casual to date-night-worthy. A crisp Pinot Grigio or buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Try these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for another cozy meal idea—a totally different but equally satisfying dish!

FAQs About Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

What is mushroom ragu pappardelle?

Mushroom ragu pappardelle is a hearty, slow-cooked sauce made with mushrooms instead of meat, simmered in broth, wine, and aromatics. It’s rich and deeply flavorful and clings perfectly to wide pappardelle noodles. Think of it as a vegetarian take on a classic meat ragu—just as comforting but with a big umami punch!

What is pappardelle pasta used for?

Pappardelle is a wide, ribbon-like pasta that’s perfect for thick, creamy, or meaty sauces. Its broad shape holds chunky ingredients, making it ideal for dishes like creamy mushroom pappardelle, beef ragu, and even slow-simmered tomato-based sauces.

What is the difference between pappardelle and fettuccine?

The main difference is the width! Pappardelle is much wider than fettuccine, usually about an inch thick. This makes it better suited for hearty, rich sauces, while fettuccine is slightly narrower and often paired with lighter cream or butter-based sauces.

What sauce is best with pappardelle pasta?

Pappardelle works best with thick, clingy sauces that coat each ribbon. Some top choices include:
Creamy mushroom sauce (hello, this recipe!)
Beef or pork ragu
Truffle butter sauce
Classic Bolognese

What is the difference between pappardelle and tagliatelle Bolognese?

Both are flat, ribbon-shaped pastas, but pappardelle is wider, while tagliatelle is thinner and more delicate. In a traditional Bolognese, tagliatelle is often used, but pappardelle works just as well for a richer, more indulgent bite.

How to make mushroom ragu sauce?

A mushroom ragu is made by sautéing mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs, then simmering everything with wine, tomatoes, and broth. Let it cook down until thick and rich, then toss it with pappardelle for a deeply satisfying meal.

And there you have it—a bowl of pure comfort, ready to be devoured! Creamy mushroom pappardelle isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a cozy, flavor-packed meal that feels fancy but comes together with ease. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing someone special, this dish never disappoints.

The best part? You can make it exactly how you like it. Stick with the classic creamy version, add a protein, swap in different mushrooms, or go dairy-free—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. And don’t forget to pair it with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or even a glass of wine to round out the experience.

So, what’s stopping you? Grab that pasta pot, crank up some good music, and get cooking. Trust me, once you taste this silky, mushroom-packed goodness, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.

If you loved this, be sure to try Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for another comforting meal that’s just as easy and delicious.

Now, go grab your fork and dig in!