Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta

Name: Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine or penne works well); Salt for boiling water; 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Cooking

I absolutely love making this Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta on busy weeknights. It’s a comforting dish that combines tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. In just under 30 minutes, I can serve my family a meal that feels indulgent yet is straightforward to prepare. The delicious flavors blend so well, and I love the way the mushrooms add depth to the dish. It’s the perfect answer when I'm craving something hearty and satisfying.

Created by

Camille Norwood

Last updated on 2026-02-24T00:37:36.878Z

When I first came across this Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta recipe, I was attracted by its simplicity and the idea of combining beef with mushrooms. After trying it out, I was amazed at how everything combined to create a deliciously rich sauce. I remember the first time I served it; my family couldn't stop raving about how the flavors danced on their palates!

One of my favorite tips is to use a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms to elevate the umami flavor even further. It adds an incredible depth that takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, and the creamy texture of the sauce just makes it a total winner in my book.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty beef paired with savory mushrooms for depth of flavor
Luxuriously creamy sauce that clings perfectly to pasta
Quick and easy, making it ideal for weeknight dinners

Choosing the Right Pasta

When it comes to selecting the pasta for your Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta, both fettuccine and penne are excellent choices. Fettuccine's broad, flat shape captures the creamy sauce beautifully, while penne's tubular structure ensures every bite is coated. Both options provide a satisfying texture that holds up well against the hearty beef and mushrooms. If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, these can also work, just be mindful to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for perfect al dente results.

Always remember to salt your pasta water well; this is your first chance to add flavor to the dish. Ideally, aim for water that tastes like the sea. The pasta will absorb some of this seasoned water as it cooks, enhancing its overall flavor and complementing the richness of the sauce later on. If you notice the water bubbling up excessively, reduce the heat slightly to prevent any messy spills.

Enhancing the Sauce

The creaminess of the sauce comes primarily from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which not only enrich the texture but also contribute to a luscious mouthfeel. If you're looking to lighten the dish, you could substitute half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lower-fat option. However, be cautious: these alternatives may not thicken as effectively, so you might need to experiment by reducing the broth slightly or using a thickener like cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices to elevate your sauce. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice bit of heat, while fresh thyme or rosemary can lend more depth to the overall flavor. Remember, adding these herbs after the cream has been incorporated prevents them from losing their potency during the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

For a delightful serving suggestion, pair your Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. A light citrus vinaigrette is particularly refreshing alongside the rich pasta, balancing the indulgence with a zesty crunch. For a touch of elegance, consider topping each serving with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or cream to the pasta to restore its creamy texture, and warm it gently over low heat while stirring occasionally. Freezing is also an option for this dish, though I recommend doing so before adding the cheese; simply thaw and reheat, then stir in the cheese to create that luxurious creaminess once more.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine or penne works well)
Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce

1 lb ground beef
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are tender.

Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and allow the mixture to cook for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

Combine

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan after browning the meat. This will enhance the sauce with a wonderful depth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce is too thin after adding the cream, don’t panic! Allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes to encourage thickening, stirring frequently until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water for a quick fix. On the other hand, if the sauce becomes too thick, simply stir in a bit more beef broth or cream until you reach the perfect creaminess.

Should you find that your beef is tough after cooking, it’s likely due to overcooking at high heat. When browning ground beef, ensure you're using medium heat; this allows the meat to cook evenly without becoming chewy. Also, remember to break it into smaller pieces while cooking for a more tender final dish.

Making It Your Own

Feel free to customize this dish according to your taste preferences or dietary needs! For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with a mixture of lentils and finely chopped walnuts for a protein boost. Increase the number of mushrooms or add in your favorite seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more texture and flavor without the meat.

Herbs can play a major role in personalizing this recipe too. Beyond parsley, fresh basil or chives would add aromatic notes that brighten the dish. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a bright finish that complements the creaminess beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.

→ Is this pasta dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the pasta without the cream. Just store the sauce separately.

→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Of course! Substitute the beef with lentils or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.

→ What kind of mushrooms work best?

Both button and cremini mushrooms work well, but feel free to experiment with shiitake for a more robust flavor.