Name: Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne); 4 Tbsp unsalted butter; 8 oz mushrooms (cremini, button, or mix), sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup chopped shallot or yellow onion; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest

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Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta features tender pasta tossed in a nutty brown butter sauce with sautéed mushrooms and garlic. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that comes together quickly for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & buttery – brown butter adds deep, nutty flavor without heaviness
Umami-packed – mushrooms and garlic deliver earthy satisfaction
One-pan elegance – easy to prep with minimal cleanup
Customizable – versatile with your favorite pasta, cheese, or herbs

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
8 oz mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix), sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup finely chopped shallot or yellow onion
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest for brightness

directions

Cook pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Make brown butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally until it turns golden-brown and smells nutty (about 4–5 minutes). Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Sauté mushrooms & aromatics
Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until golden. Stir in garlic and shallot, cooking another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine pasta & sauce
Add drained pasta to skillet. Toss to coat in brown butter–mushroom mixture. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to create a silky sauce.
Season & finish
Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. If using, sprinkle with Parmesan and lemon zest for brightness.
Serve
Plate immediately and offer extra Parmesan or fresh herbs at the table.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Stir in spinach, cooked chicken, shrimp.
Cheese swap: Use Pecorino Romano, grated Gruyère, or Asiago instead of Parmesan
Herb boost: Add thyme or sage along with parsley for more flavor
Creamy version: Stir in ¼ cup cream or crème fraîche at the end
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or sautéed chili for heat

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of pasta water
Reheat microwave: Heat in short increments, stirring in water to loosen sauce
Make-ahead tip: Prepare sauce ingredients ahead; sauté mushrooms just before adding pasta

Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta

FAQs

Can I use dried mushrooms?

Yes—rehydrate in warm water before cooking, then sauté like fresh mushrooms.

Is this dish vegan-friendly?

Substitute plant-based butter and skip or use vegan cheese to make it vegan.

What pasta works best?

Flat noodles like fettuccine or linguine work well, but penne or rigatoni are also great for catching sauce.

How do I prevent the butter from burning?

Lower the heat as soon as butter browns, remove from heat while mushrooms cook.

Can I use olive oil instead?

Yes—but you’ll miss the nutty brown butter flavor. Try finishing with a swirl of oil instead.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—sautéed spinach, broccolini, or sun-dried tomatoes are excellent additions.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best fresh. Reheat gently; sauce may separate after freezing.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Can I prep sauce in advance?

Yes—brown the butter and sauté mushrooms ahead; reheat briefly when pasta is ready.

What garnishes enhance this dish?

Extra Parmesan, lemon zest, parsley, or a drizzle of truffle oil all elevate the flavor.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta is an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that elevates simple ingredients through rich flavors and textures. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for cozy weeknights or casual entertaining—simple, sophisticated, and deeply satisfying.