---
title: "30-Minute Creamy Mushroom Pasta"
url: https://save.cooking/@weeknightwins/30-minute-creamy-mushroom-pasta
author: Weeknight Wins
author_profile: https://save.cooking/@weeknightwins
description: "A fast, family-friendly creamy mushroom pasta that tastes like a restaurant dinner but comes together in one pan (plus the pasta pot). Cozy, savory, and ready in 30 minutes—perfect for real weeknights."
prep_time: 8 minutes
cook_time: 22 minutes
total_time: 30 minutes
servings: 4
tags: ["Main Dish", "Quick", "Stovetop", "Dinner", "Lunch", "Italian", "One Pot", "30 Minute"]
published: 2026-01-06
updated: 2026-01-14
---

# 30-Minute Creamy Mushroom Pasta

*Recipe by [@weeknightwins](https://save.cooking/@weeknightwins)*

A fast, family-friendly creamy mushroom pasta that tastes like a restaurant dinner but comes together in one pan (plus the pasta pot). Cozy, savory, and ready in 30 minutes—perfect for real weeknights.

This is the kind of dinner that saves a busy evening: minimal chopping, big flavor, and everyone gets a warm, creamy bowl of comfort. The mushrooms bring that savory “meaty” vibe, and a little Parmesan makes the sauce feel extra special. Keep it simple with a side salad or add rotisserie chicken if you need extra protein.

**Total Time:** 30 minutes | **Prep:** 8 minutes | **Cook:** 22 minutes | **Servings:** 4

## Ingredients

### Pasta

- 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for pasta water), plus more to taste

### Sauce & Veg

- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz (450 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 3 packed cups baby spinach (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, to brighten)

### To Serve (Optional)

- Chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes

## Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt it, add the pasta, and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, until softened.

3. Add the mushrooms, thyme, and black pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown.

4. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.

5. Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer 1–2 minutes.

6. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in the cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Add the drained pasta and Parmesan. Toss until glossy and coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

8. If using spinach, add it a handful at a time and toss just until wilted, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).

9. Serve hot with extra Parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes if you like.

## Tags

`Main Dish`, `Quick`, `Stovetop`, `Dinner`, `Lunch`, `Italian`, `One Pot`, `30 Minute`

---

*This recipe is hosted on [Save.Cooking](https://save.cooking), a recipe organization platform.*
*View this recipe: [https://save.cooking/@weeknightwins/30-minute-creamy-mushroom-pasta](https://save.cooking/@weeknightwins/30-minute-creamy-mushroom-pasta)*