One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Name: One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or any pasta of choice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese for serving; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Fresh Healthy Meals Ideas

I love making One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta on busy weeknights when I'm craving something comforting yet quick. This dish combines the earthiness of mushrooms with a velvety cream sauce, all made in one pot for easy cleanup. In just 30 minutes, I can enjoy a decadent bowl of pasta that feels like it took hours to prepare. It’s become my go-to meal when I want to impress myself or anyone who stops by my kitchen!

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:41:36.079Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of making a creamy mushroom pasta in just one pot, I was skeptical. However, the results were nothing short of amazing! The key is to sauté the mushrooms until they're golden brown, which really enhances their flavor and produces a rich, earthy base for the sauce. I like to add in a splash of white wine for extra depth, but it's entirely optional.

As the pasta cooks, it absorbs all the delicious flavors from the mushrooms and the creamy sauce thickens beautifully. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze. This dish has become a staple in my home, and I often find myself craving it after a long day. It never fails to satisfy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that coats each pasta strand perfectly
Savory mushrooms add a depth of flavor
Quick and easy cleanup with just one pot

Mastering the Mushroom Flavor

The choice of mushrooms is crucial for achieving the best flavor in One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta. I prefer using a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms as they provide both earthiness and a hint of umami that enhance the dish's overall depth. Sautéing the mushrooms until they are golden not only adds color but also helps to concentrate their flavors. Keep your heat at medium to avoid burning and stir occasionally to ensure uniform cooking.

If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can use portobello mushrooms, which will give a meaty texture. For a twist, feel free to add in seasonal vegetables like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking these delicate greens.

The Creamy Sauce Technique

To achieve a perfectly creamy sauce, the timing of adding the heavy cream is essential. After your pasta reaches al dente texture, reducing the heat before incorporating the cream helps to prevent curdling. Stirring the cream into the pot gently allows it to combine thoroughly with the broth and pasta, resulting in a smooth and glossy finish. If it appears too thick, a splash of extra vegetable broth can loosen it to your desired consistency.

Additionally, if you're seeking a lower-calorie option, you can substitute heavy cream with a mix of Greek yogurt and a little vegetable broth. This creates a tangy yet creamy base. Just remember to add the yogurt off the heat to avoid curdling, stirring until fully incorporated for a luscious sauce without the guilt.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or any pasta of choice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

How to Make One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and golden, roughly 5 minutes.

Add the Broth and Pasta

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the pasta. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Finish with Cream

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Pro Tips

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp work wonderfully in this dish!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge. Microwave or gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from burning.

If you plan on freezing, I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly, cooking it for just 6-7 minutes instead of the full time. This ensures that when reheated, the pasta doesn't turn mushy. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on low heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serving One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta can be a delightful experience, especially when paired with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. The garlicky flavor of the bread complements the richness of the pasta beautifully. If you’d like to elevate the presentation, consider toasting some pine nuts and sprinkling them on top before serving for an added crunch and flavor.

For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk or a cashew cream made by blending soaked cashews with water. This retains the creamy texture while staying plant-based. Just remember to adjust seasoning to balance the sweetness of the coconut.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works well and adds additional nutrients.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added color and flavor.

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

→ Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta is entirely vegetarian and packed with flavor!