A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring buttery sautéed mushrooms, tender farfalle, and a luscious garlic cream sauce—perfect for a cozy dinner night that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Farfalle combines elegance and comfort in one dish. The bow-tie pasta holds the velvety sauce beautifully, while the earthy mushrooms and aromatic garlic bring deep, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a small gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. It’s also easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• farfalle pasta (bow-tie)
• olive oil
• unsalted butter
• garlic, minced
• cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
• dried thyme
• vegetable broth
• heavy cream
• grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Cook farfalle pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 7–9 minutes until mushrooms are browned and tender.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat with the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
• Use different mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello for added depth.
• Make it vegan by using plant-based butter, non-dairy cream, and vegan Parmesan.
• Add greens like baby spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of white wine.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency. Microwaving is also effective, but stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, fusilli, or linguine all work well in place of farfalle.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance. Combine and reheat gently before serving.

What mushrooms are best for this recipe?

Cremini mushrooms provide a rich, earthy flavor, but white mushrooms are a good, milder alternative.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this dish is vegetarian as long as the Parmesan used is made without animal rennet.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a bit longer before adding the pasta, or add a small amount of grated cheese.

What if I don’t have vegetable broth?

You can substitute with chicken broth (if not vegetarian) or use water with a pinch of salt.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the mushrooms for extra flavor.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding cream and avoid rapid boiling.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream and vegan cheese alternatives, and opt for oil instead of butter.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Farfalle is a wonderfully satisfying dish that blends comforting flavors with gourmet flair. With its creamy texture, savory mushrooms, and easy-to-follow preparation, it’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Versatile and adaptable, this pasta recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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