Name: Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Garlic and Paprika
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 300 g dried pasta (short pasta or fettuccine); 28 g unsalted butter; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 300 g brown mushrooms (sliced); 150 g white mushrooms (sliced); 200 g cooked chicken or crisped bacon (optional, sliced); 240 ml heavy cream; 180 ml vegetable stock; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 8 g cornflour (mixed with 1 tbsp cold water); 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, plus more to serve); 0.75 tsp fine salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This creamy mushroom pasta is a cozy, pantry-friendly dish with sautéed onions, plenty of mushrooms, and a smooth cream sauce seasoned with sweet paprika. It is quick enough for weeknights yet rich enough to feel special.

Why This Recipe Works

Browning the mushrooms builds deep, savory flavor before the cream goes in. A light cornflour slurry thickens the sauce without heaviness, and a touch of vegetable stock keeps the finish silky and balanced.

Ingredients Overview

Use a mix of brown and white mushrooms for texture and depth. Sweet paprika adds warmth without heat, while parsley lifts the creamy sauce. Chicken or bacon is optional if you want a heartier bowl.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Cook the pasta while you sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms in butter. Build the sauce with cream, stock, and paprika, then thicken lightly with cornflour. Toss the pasta in the sauce, loosen with reserved pasta water, and finish with parsley.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

Save a little pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness right before serving. For extra depth, finish with a pinch more paprika. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently with a splash of water.

Make-Ahead Notes

You can prep onions, garlic, and mushrooms in advance to speed up dinner. Keep them refrigerated in separate containers, then cook fresh for the best texture. If making ahead for guests, cook the sauce just before serving and hold the pasta slightly under al dente so it finishes in the pan without going soft.

For extra richness, stir in a little grated Parmesan at the end. For a lighter finish, increase stock and reduce cream slightly while keeping the same method.