Creamy Garlic Pasta with Broccoli and Mushrooms

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Garlic Broccoli Mushroom Pasta. It’s a truly cozy and hearty dish, perfect for those relaxing weekend evenings or as a delightful option for Lenten season Friday nights. Bursting with tender broccoli florets and savory mushrooms, all enveloped in an incredibly smooth and rich garlic cream sauce, this pasta is an absolute must-try!

As the weekend approaches, our thoughts often turn to warmth, relaxation, and, of course, delicious comfort food. And when it comes to satisfying those cravings, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of generously coated pasta. This Creamy Garlic Broccoli Mushroom Pasta is precisely what we have in mind – a dish that promises to soothe your soul and tantalize your taste buds.

I recently whipped up this delightful meal for my husband, Tom, and me, and it was an instant hit. I always approach adding vegetables to our dishes with a bit of caution, as Tom can be quite particular. Fortunately, broccoli and mushrooms have consistently earned his enthusiastic approval. Their earthy flavors and satisfying textures complement this creamy pasta perfectly, making it a dish even the pickiest eaters will adore.

And let’s talk about this garlic cream sauce for a moment – it’s truly a game-changer! Imagine a sauce so incredibly smooth, so luxuriously creamy, it feels like a culinary reward. After a long, busy work week, we all deserve a treat, and every single forkful of this pasta feels like a well-earned indulgence. It’s the perfect way to unwind and savor the moment.

Beyond its incredible taste, one of the greatest advantages of this creamy garlic pasta is how quickly it comes together. You don’t need a lengthy list of exotic ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create this masterpiece. With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Contents

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Garlic Broccoli Mushroom Pasta

Creating this rich and flavorful dish relies on a few key components. Each ingredient plays an important role in building the layers of taste and texture that make this pasta so special. Here’s what you’ll need:

Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli provides a vibrant color and a pleasant bite.
Sliced Mushrooms: Earthy and savory, mushrooms add depth to the dish.
Your Favorite Pasta: Any medium-shaped pasta works wonderfully to capture the creamy sauce.
Fresh Garlic: The star of the show, delivering an aromatic punch.
Butter: Forms the base for sautéing and the roux for the sauce.
Dijon Mustard: A secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and enhances overall flavor.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base without excessive salt.
Heavy Cream: The essential component for achieving that irresistible creamy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux, thickening the sauce to perfection.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning to taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a delightful hint of warmth and spice.
Parmesan Cheese: For serving, adding a final touch of salty, nutty goodness.

For those times when you’re truly pressed for time, feel free to make things even easier on yourself. Head to your local market and grab a bag of pre-cut broccoli florets and pre-sliced mushrooms. This simple shortcut can shave valuable minutes off your prep time without compromising on flavor or quality, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal even faster.

Customizing Your Creamy Pasta: Veggie Swaps & More

Not a fan of broccoli or mushrooms? No problem at all! This comfort food dish is incredibly versatile and totally customizable. Don’t let a preference for certain vegetables deter you from trying this recipe. Feel free to substitute with your preferred veggies. Consider:

Crisp asparagus spears for a touch of spring.
Sweet, finely diced carrots for added color and subtle sweetness.
Colorful bell peppers for a mild, vibrant crunch.
Juicy cherry tomatoes, halved, for a burst of freshness.
Tender spinach or kale, wilted into the sauce at the end.
Green peas for a pop of bright flavor and texture.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Experiment with whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand or what your family enjoys most!

When it comes to pasta, the choice is yours! While I’ve used a charming pasta called torcetti, any medium-shaped pasta will work beautifully to hold that luscious garlic cream sauce. Think about options like:

Penne: A classic choice, its tubular shape is excellent for catching sauce.
Farfalle (Bow Ties): Adds a fun, elegant touch and holds sauce well.
Rigatoni: Similar to penne but wider, offering a hearty bite.
Cavatappi: Corkscrew pasta that’s perfect for creamy sauces.
Fettuccine or Linguine: If you prefer a longer pasta, these also pair wonderfully.

For the sauce, I always opt for low-sodium chicken broth to help keep the overall sodium content in check without sacrificing flavor. This allows us to control the seasoning precisely and ensure the dish is perfectly balanced. However, if you’re aiming for a vegetarian dish, simply swap the chicken broth for a high-quality vegetable broth.

I genuinely hope you take the opportunity to try this incredible Creamy Garlic Broccoli Mushroom Pasta. I have no doubt that you’ll fall head over heels for that divine, velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s truly a hug in a bowl, perfect for making any day feel a little warmer and cozier.

Should you decide to give this recipe a go, please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts! Your feedback means a lot. If you have any questions during your cooking process, simply drop a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Broccoli Mushroom Pasta

Achieving the perfect creamy garlic broccoli mushroom pasta is all about attention to a few details. These cook’s notes will help you elevate your dish from good to absolutely outstanding:

Perfectly Cooked Veggies: We love our vegetables with a bit of a bite, not soft and mushy. To achieve this, I recommend cooking the broccoli florets in a bit of butter, stirring often for about 4 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, continuing to cook for just another 2 minutes. This ensures the vegetables retain their texture and vibrant color.
Pasta al Dente: Always cook your pasta al dente – meaning “to the tooth.” It should be firm but still pleasant to bite into. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce and allows it to absorb the flavors beautifully.
Reserve Pasta Water: This is a chef’s secret! Before draining your pasta, reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking water. If your sauce becomes too thick, or if you want to loosen it up and make it extra silky, gradually add a tablespoon or two of this reserved water. The starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Don’t Rush the Roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is crucial for thickening the sauce. Cook it for at least a minute, stirring constantly, to ensure the raw flour taste cooks out before adding liquids.
Whisk Vigorously: When adding the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisk vigorously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, uniform sauce.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before combining it with the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Creamy Pasta

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While this recipe relies on heavy cream for its signature richness, you can experiment with dairy-free alternatives. Full-fat coconut milk (from a can, not a carton) or a high-quality dairy-free cream substitute can work. Be aware that the flavor profile may change slightly, and you might need to adjust seasonings.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Any medium-sized pasta with nooks and crannies to catch the sauce is ideal. Torcetti, penne, farfalle, rigatoni, or cavatappi are all excellent choices. If you prefer long pasta, fettuccine or linguine will also work beautifully.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! This pasta is wonderfully adaptable. Cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced), sautéed shrimp, Italian sausage, or even chickpeas or white beans can be stirred in at the end for an extra boost of protein.

How long does this pasta last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce as it can thicken in the fridge.

Is this a vegetarian recipe?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. With its hearty vegetables and rich sauce, it’s a satisfying meat-free meal.

More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Enjoy

If you loved this creamy pasta, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other comforting and flavorful pasta dishes:

Pasta with White Beans and Arugula
Pan Seared Scallops with Orzo Piccata
Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Creamy Garlic Broccoli Mushroom Pasta

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 6 servings

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This Creamy Garlic Broccoli Mushroom Pasta is a cozy, hearty pasta dish that’s perfect for a relaxing weekend in and for the Lenten season on Friday nights. Loaded with broccoli and mushrooms all in a creamy garlic sauce that’s to die for!

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Ingredients

6 Tbsp. butter, divided
3 cups broccoli florets
1 8-oz. package sliced mushrooms
1 lb. pasta, I used torcetti pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Add two tablespoons of butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook for four minutes, stirring often. Add the mushrooms and garlic and continue to cook for two minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water al dente according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, melt the remaining butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Add the heavy cream, mustard, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes and continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the broccoli, mushrooms and drained pasta. Toss until well combined. Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

Keyword: pasta, comfort food, vegetarian, broccoli, mushrooms, garlic cream sauce

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Dish

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