Name: Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 cloves garlic, finely minced; ¼ cup (59 ml) olive oil; 1 pound (454 g) dried spaghetti pasta; 8 ounce (227 g) baby portobello mushrooms, sliced; Olive oil, for sautéing; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter; 15 ounce (425 g) jar of homemade pasta sauce or store-bought; Fresh basil, for serving; Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you are a garlic lover and crave a comfort food that feels both luxurious and incredibly easy to whip up, this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a delightful harmony of tender spaghetti bathed in a rich, garlicky olive oil infused with buttery tomato sauce and earthy baby portobello mushrooms. Each bite bursts with comforting flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends without fuss. The magic happens as the garlic slowly infuses the olive oil, creating a fragrant base that elevates the entire dish to a whole new level of yum.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five bowls and some spaghetti on a white marbled surface. On the left side, three cloves of garlic rest next to uncooked yellow spaghetti strands placed flat. In the middle, a white bowl holds small chunks of white minced garlic. Below it, a small white bowl contains thick, bright red tomato sauce with a textured surface. To the right, a larger white bowl is filled with sliced light brown mushrooms with visible gills and white edges. At the bottom right, there is a white bowl with several small, pale yellow cubes of butter. Above all bowls, a small clear glass jar is filled with light golden olive oil. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of cooking this dish. Each one is simple but plays a crucial role in building the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures. Fresh garlic adds punch and aroma, mushrooms bring an earthy heartiness, while butter and olive oil create that perfect silky mouthfeel that coats every strand of pasta.

9 cloves garlic, finely minced: The star of the dish, providing that irresistible garlicky warmth.
¼ cup (59 ml) olive oil: The base that gently cooks the garlic to infuse its flavor without burning.
1 pound (454 g) dried spaghetti pasta: Your canvas for all these wonderful flavors.
8 ounce (227 g) baby portobello mushrooms, sliced: Adds depth and earthiness, elevating the overall taste.
6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter: Gives richness and a luscious mouthfeel to the sauce.
15 ounce (425 g) jar of pasta sauce (homemade or store-bought): Adds tangy tomato goodness that ties everything together.

How to Make Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Olive Oil with Garlic

Start by combining the finely minced garlic with the olive oil in a medium pot and bringing it to a slow boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it gently cook for 30 minutes. This slow infusion is what gives the dish its unforgettable garlic flavor, mellowing out the raw sharpness into a smooth, fragrant oil that will coat the pasta beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While your garlic oil is doing its magic, boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Timing is key here because you want to combine the pasta right while it’s warm and ready to absorb those luscious flavors.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil and sauté the sliced baby portobello mushrooms until tender and golden. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the natural earthiness of the mushrooms. This step adds a wonderful texture contrast to the softness of the pasta.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Mushrooms

Drain the pasta once cooked and toss it directly into the skillet with the mushrooms. This lets the pasta soak up some of the mushroom juices and mingle with their robust flavor, setting the stage for the sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter Tomato Sauce

Return to the pot with your garlic oil and add the unsalted butter. Stir gently until the butter fully melts. Then add your jar of tomato sauce and mix everything thoroughly, letting the rich combination heat through for a few minutes. This sauce is the heart of the Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe, bringing together silky garlic-infused butter and tangy tomato notes.

Step 6: Toss and Coat the Pasta

Pour the warm garlic butter tomato sauce over the pasta and mushrooms in the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to ensure every strand of spaghetti is luxuriously coated with that silky, flavorful sauce. This final step guarantees a harmonious blend of all the elements.

How to Serve Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe

A white bowl holds spaghetti mixed with a red tomato sauce, topped with browned slices of mushrooms and small fresh green basil leaves scattered on top. The pasta strands are twisted in small piles, with some strands loosely spread around. A fork and spoon rest on the right side inside the bowl. Another similar bowl with the same dish is blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. A wooden board with green herbs and a knife is in the back left, and an orange cloth is placed in the front right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe presentation and flavor, fresh basil leaves add a bright herbal fragrance and fresh pop of green color. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds salty sharpness and melts slightly into the warm pasta, creating an irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a simple grilled chicken can complement the earthy mushroom notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe in warm pasta bowls lined with a basil leaf for a rustic touch. Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few toasted pine nuts for added texture. For a dinner party, plate it in individual nests topped with a sprig of fresh thyme for a charming, elegant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, but be sure to keep the pasta tightly sealed to prevent drying.

Freezing

You can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the fresh basil or parmesan toppings, adding those fresh after thawing to keep them vibrant.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce, stirring often to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works too but be sure to cover the container and stir halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms in this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While baby portobello mushrooms bring a nice earthiness, cremini, shiitake, or even button mushrooms work perfectly and adjust the flavor profile slightly.

Is it necessary to cook the garlic for 30 minutes?

This slow cooking process mellows out the garlic’s harshness and lets its flavor fully infuse the olive oil, resulting in a richer, more balanced taste that’s key to this recipe.

Can I make this pasta recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a vegan tomato sauce. Omit the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese to keep it creamy and delicious.

What type of pasta sauce works best?

A simple basic tomato sauce with good-quality tomatoes works best to complement the garlic and mushrooms without overwhelming them. Homemade or high-quality store-bought are both good options.

How can I add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even white beans can be added for a protein boost. Simply cook the protein separately and fold it in during the final toss before serving.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the comforting embrace of this Garlic Mushroom Pasta Recipe to warm your soul and celebrate the beauty of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Its rich garlic undertone paired with savory mushrooms and luscious tomato sauce makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s the kind of dish that not only fills your belly but also your heart with joy every single time.