Name: Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti, whole wheat or your favorite brand; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced; 4-6 garlic cloves, chopped; Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving; 2-3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves

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I absolutely adore sharing this Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe with friends because it’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can turn into something truly delicious. This dish combines earthy mushrooms and fragrant garlic with perfectly cooked spaghetti, making a homey yet elegant meal I always find myself craving. It’s quick, flavorful, and comforting, which means it’s become a go-to whenever I want a fuss-free dinner that still feels special. I know once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe

From the first bite, I’m captivated by how the rich, umami flavor of cremini mushrooms mingles with the bright, aromatic garlic in this dish. The Pecorino Romano cheese adds a sharp, slightly salty edge that balances everything beautifully. I love how the texture of the tender mushrooms complements the al dente spaghetti—it’s like a cozy hug for my taste buds. This combination is simple yet bursting with flavor, making it one of those recipes where less truly is more.

What really makes this recipe shine for me is how effortless it is to pull together, especially on busy weeknights. I appreciate that I don’t have to spend hours prepping or cooking but still get a meal that tastes like I put in much more effort. The fact that it comes together in just 20 minutes means it’s super reliable when I want something fast yet satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile enough for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to something a bit more special for friends or family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw yellow spaghetti pasta spread out diagonally in the bottom left corner on a light gray, textured surface. Above the pasta, there is a pile of brown mushrooms with white stems, some facing up showing their pale undersides. To the left of the mushrooms, there are four garlic bulbs with purple stripes and a bunch of fresh green parsley. On the right side of the mushrooms, three small glass bottles with cork stoppers hold different spices or oils, and below them, a small white bowl filled with grated cheese. The background is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are—nothing complicated, just wholesome and fresh items that pack a punch in flavor. Every element plays a key role: the mushrooms bring earthiness, garlic adds warmth and depth, Pecorino Romano offers a savory finish, and fresh parsley lifts the dish with its bright herby tone.

12 ounces spaghetti: I recommend whole wheat or your favorite brand for texture and to soak up the sauce perfectly.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This is your cooking medium that adds richness and helps brown the mushrooms nicely.
1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced: These little beauties provide that deep, meaty flavor essential to the dish.
4-6 garlic cloves, chopped: Fresh garlic is the secret weapon here for that irresistible aroma and flavor.
Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese: I love its sharp, tangy quality which elevates the pasta beyond basic.
2-3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves: This adds a burst of color and freshness at the end.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces of your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, be sure to reserve about 2/3 cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles—this starchy water is a magic ingredient for your sauce!

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely browned and tender. This step builds incredible flavor.

Step 3: Add 4 to 6 chopped garlic cloves to the skillet with the mushrooms. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then cook everything together for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to get fragrant but not browned or burnt.

Step 4: Now, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet while it’s still warm. Toss in 1/2 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese along with the reserved pasta water. Using tongs, toss everything vigorously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, evenly coating the spaghetti strands. This step is key to achieving that silky texture.

Step 5: Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Then, serve the pasta immediately while it’s warm and inviting. Enjoy every bite!

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 4 hungry people. It requires just 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a total of 20 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting or cooling time needed here—I usually plate the pasta right away to enjoy it at its freshest and most aromatic.

How to Serve This Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dish with thin, pale yellow spaghetti noodles forming the base layer. On top, there are several medium-brown sautéed mushroom slices scattered evenly across the noodles. The mushrooms have a slightly glossy texture with darker edges. Finely grated white cheese is sprinkled sparsely over the pasta and mushrooms, adding small white flecks throughout. Tiny green parsley pieces are dotted across the whole dish. A light dusting of black pepper is visible on top, giving a speckled effect. The dish is placed on a white plate against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe, I like to keep the accompaniments simple so the pasta remains the star. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts are perfect because they add a refreshing crunch and balance the earthiness of the mushrooms. Sometimes, I even like to serve it alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce—that’s pure comfort food heaven.

Garnishing is where I get a little creative. Besides sprinkling extra Pecorino Romano cheese on top, I love adding more fresh parsley or even a few red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Presentation-wise, a generous twirl of the spaghetti on each plate with some mushrooms artfully placed on top always feels special, especially if you’re serving guests.

For beverages, I’ve found a light to medium-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs brilliantly, amplifying those garlicky, mushroomy flavors without overpowering the dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon works wonderfully. This spaghetti tastes best hot or warm, so I recommend serving immediately after tossing with the cheese and herbs for maximum flavor and texture.

Variations

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to suit your preferences. If you want to swap out cremini mushrooms, shiitake or portobello mushrooms work great for a slightly different texture and deeper flavor. For a bit of heat, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic gives an exciting twist.

If you’re looking to make this dish gluten-free, I recommend using gluten-free spaghetti noodles—they hold the sauce just as beautifully. For a vegan version, simply omit the Pecorino Romano and use a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. I personally enjoy experimenting with different fresh herbs too; basil or thyme can add a lovely flavor variation.

For cooking methods, while I usually sauté the mushrooms on the stovetop, roasting them briefly in the oven before adding to the pasta can add an extra layer of caramelized flavor. I encourage you to play around with these options to find your favorite take on this Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I use glass containers with tight-fitting lids as they keep the pasta fresh and prevent it from drying out. This recipe will stay delicious for up to 4 days refrigerated. Just make sure to cool the spaghetti completely before sealing it to avoid condensation.

Freezing

I find that freezing this pasta isn’t ideal because the mushrooms can become a bit watery and the texture of the spaghetti might change. However, if you must freeze it, place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for about 1 to 2 months frozen. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to minimize texture loss.

Reheating

To reheat, my favorite method is to warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low to medium heat. I add a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry the pasta unevenly. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep the flavors vibrant and the spaghetti silky.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms provide a hearty, earthy flavor, you can try button mushrooms, shiitake, or portobello to change up the taste and texture. Just be sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

Why is it important to save the pasta water?

Saving pasta water is a game-changer because it contains starch released from the noodles. Adding it to your sauce helps thicken and bind the ingredients, creating a creamy coating that clings beautifully to the spaghetti without adding cream.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

I recommend making this dish fresh whenever possible to enjoy the garlic aroma and mushroom texture at their peak. That said, you can prepare the mushrooms ahead and reheat before tossing with just-cooked pasta for a quicker assembly.

What if I don’t have Pecorino Romano cheese?

If Pecorino Romano isn’t on hand, Parmesan is a fine substitute. The flavor is milder but still adds a lovely cheesy note. For a vegan alternative, nutritional yeast provides a nutty, cheesy flavor that works well too.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, it works great for meal prepping since it stores well in the fridge. Just remember to reheat gently and add a little extra olive oil or water to keep the pasta from drying out. Portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Easy Mushroom Garlic Spaghetti Recipe! It’s honestly one of those dishes that feels special yet is so simple to prepare. Perfect for busy nights or anytime you want a comforting meal brimming with flavor. Once you give it a go, I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to pasta recipes just like it is for me. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious forkful!