Who else loves asparagus season as much as I do? Every spring when the markets are full of fat bunches of crisp, green asparagus I just can’t say no and end up putting it in just about everything. Add in earthy mushrooms, pasta and just enough cream for a little indulgence and you’ve a delicious and versatile pasta that works as a vegetarian dinner or a great side dish for chicken, pork or seafood. This Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms is equal parts simple and elegant and absolutely delicious.
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My favorite kind of meals are the ones that look like they took a lot of effort but are in reality pretty simple and this pasta definitely fits that bill. Also for a dish that looks fancy its actually pretty laid back (similar to yours truly) and can be flexible to suit your taste.
I’m a fan of fun pasta shapes like this spiral shaped gizelle but you can use fusilli, penne, or farfalle (bow tie). Basically you want a shaped with plenty of places to hold onto that luscious cream sauce. You can also vary the type of mushroom you use as well. Cremini are widely available and work great but if you can get your hands on some wild mushrooms like king oyster, morel or chanterelle go for it.
How to make Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms
Boil your pasta according to package directions, during the last 4 minutes of cooking add the asparagus. Reserve a cup of the pasta water and drain. While the pasta is cooking prepare the mushrooms and sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat add the olive oil and saute the shallots and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook about 5 minutes. Add the heavy cream, thyme salt and pepper; simmer for about 4 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and pasta water and fully combine. Add the pasta and asparagus and toss to ensure the pasta is fully coated. Served with additional parmesan if you like and dig in!
If you like this Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart with Ricotta
Dijon Mustard Roasted Asparagus
Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme
Creamy Polenta with Lemon Shrimp
Risotto with Shrimp and Asparagus
If you make this Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms
Equipment
- large pot
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta penne, farfalle or similar pasta shape
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot minced
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 8 oz packages cremini or wild mushrooms sliced
- 1 pound asparagus trimmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 3/4 cup parmasan cheese grated
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil your pasta according to package directions, during the last 4 minutes of cooking add the asparagus. Reserve a cup of the pasta water and drain.
- While the pasta is cooking prepare the mushrooms and sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat add the olive oil and saute the shallots and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook about 5 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, thyme salt and pepper; simmer for about 4 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and pasta water and fully combine. Add the pasta and asparagus and toss to ensure the pasta is fully coated. Served with additional parmesan if you like
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kushigalu says
Asparagus and mushroom is one of my favorite combo. Looks so delicious
Alex says
Love that you made this pasta creamy without drenching it in a heavy sauce. It looks light and delicious and so perfect for summer!
Michelle says
This is such a fun pasta shape! The pasta looks so creamy and delicious — my kinda meal! Can’t wait to give this a try!
Cyndy says
Oh my gosh this was so yummy as well as super easy. Loved the flavors and so convenient to cook the asparagus with the pasta! My family loved it!
Beth says
This pasta turned out great and was fabulous! Such a hit here and was devoured! Definitely making this recipe again!
Ashley says
Yum! This pasta looks amazing. I just love mushrooms in pasta and the sauce sounds like it would make it all tie together perfectly!
Kyleigh says
This was so easy and delicious! I just love the sauce!!
Erin says
Asparagus is my favorite vegetable! I love finding new ways to enjoy it and this pasta is a winning dish. So creamy and flavorful!
Julia says
Yum, this was so delicious, and the addition of the asparagus and the mushrooms gave it such a nice umami. Loved this for dinner!
Lynn says
You say to sautee shallots and garlic in olive oil. Olive oil is not listed in the ingredients. How much do you use?
Brianna says
Hi Lynn, I’ve updated the recipe to include 1 tbsp of olive oil 🙂
Amy says
This was delicious and came together very easily.
Jenn :) says
We LOVED this!! For sure is a keeper! Thyme is mentioned in the directions, but not the ingredients, so I decided to do 1/2 tsp. like the salt and pepper and it was yummy! Thank you for sharing this delicious and easy recipe <3
Brianna Simmons says
Thanks for your kind words, I’m so glad you liked this!
Amberly says
This has become one of our staple recipes! I added a bit of spinach, green peas, and vegetable stock, and it turned out perfect.
Brianna Simmons says
I love to hear this! Can’t go wrong with adding more veggies.