Quick & Easy Pappardelle with Creamy Mushroom Alfredo Sauce

If comfort food had a passport, this Creamy Mushroom Alfredo would be stamped Italian-Inspired Luxury. Wide ribbons of pappardelle are coated in a velvety sauce made with butter, cream, parmesan, and a medley of earthy mushrooms. The result? A dish that’s indulgent, deeply flavorful, and versatile enough for weeknights or dinner parties.

Unlike a heavy traditional Alfredo, this version balances richness with the umami depth of sautéed mushrooms. Whether you serve it as the star of the meal or alongside chicken, beef, or even spooned over baked potatoes, this recipe is a creamy, dreamy crowd-pleaser.

Why This Creamy Mushroom Alfredo with Pappardelle Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Rotation

Restaurant-Worthy, Made at Home – Luxuriously creamy and rich, this dish has all the elegance of dining out but is simple enough to whip up in your own kitchen. It’s comfort food with a touch of sophistication.

A Mushroom Lover’s Dream – By blending varieties like cremini, portobello, or shiitake, the sauce gains layers of earthy, umami-rich flavor. Each type of mushroom adds its own personality, creating depth and complexity.

Endlessly Customizable – While mushrooms shine as the star, this recipe adapts beautifully. Add seared chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or fold in roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist.

One-Pot, Flavor-Boosting Sauce – The pasta finishes cooking directly in the Alfredo sauce, allowing the noodles to absorb every bit of creamy, garlicky goodness. Fewer dishes, more flavor—it’s a win-win.

Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing – Equally at home on a cozy weeknight or as the centerpiece of a special occasion, this dish feels indulgent yet approachable. Pair it with a glass of wine and you’ve got a meal that impresses every time.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy mushroom pasta to life:

• 1 pound pappardelle pasta – Wide ribbons that catch the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Classic richness.
• 1 small onion (or 2 shallots), diced – Sweet, aromatic base.
• 1 pound mixed mushrooms (cremini, portobello, morels, chestnut, etc.) – Adds earthy umami.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Savory balance.
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth – To deglaze and build depth.
• ¾ cup heavy cream – Silky sauce foundation.
• Sea salt & black pepper, to taste – Seasoning essentials.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste – The final creamy flourish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pappardelle until very al dente (about 8 minutes or per package instructions). Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms release their moisture and brown deeply. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

3. Deglaze & Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in cream. Let simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and thickens.

4. Season & Finish the Pasta

Season with black pepper and salt to taste. Add the cooked pappardelle directly into the skillet, tossing until evenly coated. Cook another 2–3 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors. If sauce thickens too much, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until silky.

5. Add Parmesan & Serve

Stir in parmesan to taste. Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with extra parmesan and black pepper if desired.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Use a Mushroom Mix – A combination of cremini, portobello, and shiitake creates layers of flavor.

Don’t Rush the Mushrooms – Allow them to brown deeply for the best umami taste.

Grate Parmesan Fresh – Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.

Save Pasta Water – It’s liquid gold for loosening and emulsifying the sauce.

Balance the Salt – Parmesan is salty, so season the sauce gradually.

Recommended Equipment

Large Pot – For boiling pappardelle.

Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet – For sautéing mushrooms and finishing the sauce.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Gentle stirring without damaging the pasta.

Cheese Grater – Essential for fresh parmesan.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Alfredo with Pappardelle

This decadent pasta is satisfying on its own, but a few thoughtful pairings can turn it into a complete, restaurant-style meal.

With Garlic Bread – Lean into indulgence by serving it alongside warm, buttery garlic bread. The crisp edges and soft interior make it perfect for mopping up every bit of creamy Alfredo sauce.

Paired with Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – For those who like a protein boost, tender grilled chicken or juicy shrimp pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms and velvety sauce. It’s an easy way to make the dish even more substantial.

Balanced with a Fresh Salad – A peppery arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. The brightness cuts through the creaminess and adds balance to the plate.

Over Baked Potatoes – For a creative twist, spoon the mushroom Alfredo over fluffy baked potatoes. It’s hearty, unexpected, and perfect for cozy nights when you want something a little different.

With a Glass of Wine – A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay complements the cream sauce and mushrooms without overpowering their delicate flavors.

What To Pair With Creamy Mushroom Alfredo with Pappardelle

Here’s another delicious trio of pairings from your Cooking Day recipe collection to complement your Creamy Mushroom Alfredo with Pappardelle — this time focusing on comfort, contrast, and a satisfying finish:

Chewy, Soft, and Full of Flavor – This Basil Tofu Hits Different

A surprising but savory vegetarian side — basil and umami-rich tofu offer a unique, protein-boosting contrast to the creamy pasta.

Crispy Sweet Potato Flower Pizzas – Mini, Cheesy & Beautifully Baked!

These mini bites echo the richness of the Alfredo while adding crisp texture and a touch of sweetness.

Moist Chocolate Chip Muffins That Taste Just Like a Cozy Hug

End the meal with something warm, soft, and comforting — a chocolatey muffin that’s simple and satisfying without being too heavy.

This pairing keeps things cozy and creative — with rich textures, warm flavors, and a sweet ending that’s hard to resist.

Diet-Friendly Options

Vegetarian – Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Lighter Version – Use half cream and half whole milk or half-and-half.

Dairy-Free – Try cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and parmesan.

Protein Boost – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu.

Best Ways to Store

Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer – Not recommended; cream sauces can separate.

Reheat – Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen sauce.

Recipe Variations

Truffle Twist – Add a drizzle of truffle oil or truffle salt for luxury.

Herb Upgrade – Stir in thyme, sage, or rosemary while sautéing mushrooms.

Cheese Swap – Use pecorino romano or asiago instead of parmesan.

Veggie Boost – Add spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.

White Wine Finish – Deglaze with ¼ cup dry white wine before adding cream.

This Creamy Mushroom Alfredo is proof that simple ingredients can make something extraordinary. Rich, velvety sauce clings to wide ribbons of pasta, while mushrooms add depth and heartiness. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, yet elegant enough for company.

Whether you stick with the vegetarian version, add protein, or dress it up with truffle oil, this recipe is endlessly adaptable and sure to become a go-to comfort food.

Common Questions Answered