When I first made Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta Recipe, I couldn’t stop marveling at how elegant it tasted despite being so simple to make. The savory richness of mushrooms paired with the nutty aroma of browned butter creates a meal that’s the definition of gourmet comfort food. I didn’t just make dinner that evening; I created a dish that had everyone going back for seconds (and thirds)!
And the best part? It’s made with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Whether it’s to impress guests or to whip up a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta is a must-try. I’ve made variations with additional veggies and even experimented with different pasta types, and every single version becomes a fast favorite. Now, I’m thrilled to share this flavor-packed recipe with you so you can experience the magic in your kitchen too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here are the top reasons why this dish will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy for Busy Days
This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want delicious food.
A Gourmet Experience at Home
The rich nuttiness of brown butter with perfectly cooked mushrooms makes this dish restaurant-quality. You won’t believe you made it yourself!
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish loaded with complex, savory flavors. Plus, you probably already have most of the items on hand.
Fully Customizable
From gluten-free pasta to added veggies like spinach or peas, you can tweak this dish to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is one that absolutely everyone will enjoy.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- Rigatoni or other pasta
- Butter
- Cremini or baby bella mushrooms
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: parsley, red pepper flakes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan is certified gluten-free.
- Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with plant-based butter and use a vegan Parmesan substitute.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or arugula for some greens and extra nutrients.
- Protein Boost: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Pot: To cook the pasta.
- Skillet: For browning butter and sautéing mushrooms.
- Tongs or Spatula: To mix the pasta with the sauce seamlessly.
- Cheese Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan.
- Measuring Cups: To reserve pasta water and portion ingredients precisely.
How to Make Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta?
Follow these simple steps to create a rich and flavorful pasta dish!
Cook the Pasta 🍝
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente based on the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before you drain the pasta.
Brown the Butter 🧈
Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Swirl it occasionally, and keep an eye on the color. When it turns golden and you smell that nutty aroma (about 3-4 minutes), your brown butter is ready to shine!
Sauté the Mushrooms 🍄
Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook them with the browned butter for about 5 minutes. They should be tender and slightly caramelized. Add the garlic and thyme, stirring for another 2 minutes to infuse the butter with their deep flavors.
Combine and Toss ✨
Reduce the heat to low and toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir to coat. Gradually add half of the Parmesan cheese, mixing gently until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Add the remaining Parmesan and stir until well blended.
Garnish and Serve 🍽️
Plate your pasta hot and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of pasta!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use High-Quality Butter: The butter is a key flavor in this dish, so pick a high-quality brand.
- Slice Mushrooms Evenly: This helps them cook uniformly, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender.
- Save the Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is your secret to a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Don’t Rush the Butter: Browning butter needs attention. If it burns, the flavor will turn bitter, so keep an eye on it.
How to Serve Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta?
Elevate presentation by serving the pasta in shallow bowls and topping it with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of extra brown butter. For added elegance, add a garnish of whole parsley leaves or edible flowers.
Serve with crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad to make it a full meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing its buttery and earthy flavors.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick rundown of the nutrition per serving to help you stay informed while indulging in this dish.
- Calories: 396
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later. Leftovers should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to three days.
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid using a microwave, as it may cause the butter to separate. If you want to make the sauce ahead, prepare the browned butter and sautéed mushrooms separately, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Creating this simple yet extraordinary dish is an experience in itself. With its buttery, nutty flavors and hearty texture, Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta is culinary comfort at its finest. Trust me, it’s bound to become a recurring favorite!
For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here:
Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni or any preferred pasta
- 8 tbsp salted butter cut into pieces
- 12 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms sliced
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- ⅛ tsp dried thyme
- Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
For Serving (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally. Cook until it foams and turns slightly nutty, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Reduce heat to low and stir in half of the Parmesan until melted. Add the remaining cheese, stirring or tossing with tongs to prevent clumping. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Butter: It’s the key flavor, so choose a good brand.
- Slice Mushrooms Evenly: For uniform cooking and tender bites.
- Save the Pasta Water: The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce.
- Don’t Rush the Butter: Brown it carefully to avoid bitterness.
