This creamy mushroom and pea pasta is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that brings together tender pasta, earthy mushrooms, sweet green peas, and a smooth, silky cream sauce. It’s simple to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The mushrooms add deep savory flavor, the peas bring a gentle sweetness, and the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. It’s a vegetarian-friendly meal made with simple ingredients that feel both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Penne pasta: 400 g
Fresh mushrooms, sliced: 200 g
Green peas (fresh or frozen): 150 g
Cooking cream: 250 ml
Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g
Garlic, finely minced: 1 clove (about 5 g)
Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon (15 g)
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
Pasta cooking water: about 120 ml (as needed)
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a wide pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn lightly golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the green peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
Pour in the cream, season with salt and black pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to coat with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is about 10 minutes, cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, making the total time around 30 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a small splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, short pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work very well with this creamy sauce.
Can I use frozen peas?
Frozen peas are perfectly fine. Add them directly to the pan without thawing.
What kind of mushrooms are best?
Button mushrooms, cremini, or a mix of mushrooms all work well and add great flavor.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
You can use light cream or a mixture of milk and cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian as written.
Can I make it without Parmesan?
You can omit the cheese or replace it with another hard vegetarian-friendly cheese if desired.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low once the cream is added and avoid boiling the sauce.
Can I add herbs?
Fresh parsley or a small amount of dried Italian herbs can be added for extra aroma.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and gently reheat before serving.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple green salad or lightly sautéed vegetables make great side dishes.
Conclusion
Creamy mushroom and pea pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers comfort in every bite. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a reliable recipe you can turn to whenever you want something warm, satisfying, and homemade.
