Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Rich evaporated milk and tangy Dijon mustard elevate this creamy mushroom pasta to a comforting favorite you’ll always want at the heart of your weeknight dinner table. It’s delicious with a warm crusty baguette, a crisp green salad, extra cracked black pepper, a glass of chilled Chardonnay; in fact most things.

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Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• 8 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika (plus more for garnish)
• Two 4.5-ounce jars sliced mushrooms, strained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Dried dill, chives, or parsley (for garnish)

How To Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season it generously with kosher salt. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. Once finished, strain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Simmer the sauce base: In a large skillet, combine the evaporated milk, chicken broth, olive oil, flour, Dijon mustard, granulated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and the sweet paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Thicken and whisk: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Whisk the sauce constantly for 8 to 10 minutes. You are looking for a consistency that is just slightly thicker than heavy cream—silky enough to coat the back of a spoon perfectly.
4. Incorporate the mushrooms: Stir in the rinsed sliced mushrooms, the sherry vinegar, and several generous grinds of black pepper. Continue to simmer for 1 minute more to allow the mushrooms to heat through and the vinegar to brighten the rich sauce.
5. Combine and toss: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together until the bow ties are thoroughly coated in the creamy mushroom sauce.
6. Garnish and serve: Divide the pasta among four shallow bowls. For the final touch, sprinkle each serving with a little extra paprika, your choice of dried herbs (dill, chives, or parsley), and a final crack of black pepper.

Recipe Tips

• Why Evaporated Milk: Using evaporated milk instead of heavy cream provides a rich, velvety texture with less fat. It also has a slightly caramelized depth that pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms.
• Vinegar is Vital: The small amount of sherry vinegar at the end is the secret to a professional-tasting sauce. It cuts through the richness of the milk and helps balance the savory Worcestershire and mustard.
• Mushroom Variations: While jarred mushrooms are convenient for a quick weeknight meal, you can substitute them with 8 ounces of fresh cremini or button mushrooms. Just sauté the fresh mushrooms in the olive oil first before building the sauce.
• Whisking Technique: Keep that whisk moving! Because the sauce contains flour and milk, it can easily scorch on the bottom of the pan if left unattended.

What To Serve With Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe?

This Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe is a rich, savory meal that needs a fresh or crunchy pairing! A Garlic Herb Baguette is the quintessential choice for mopping up any leftover sauce. For a lighter touch, a Simple Arugula Salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a lovely peppery bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta! A side of Roasted Asparagus or a glass of Chilled Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the garlic and mushroom notes.

How To Store Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Cream sauces tend to thicken significantly as they cool. When reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave, add a tablespoon or two of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to its original silky consistency.
• Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the evaporated milk sauce can become grainy and separate upon thawing.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 345 kcal (per serving)
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

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