Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta

Name: Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/2 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Favorite Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love cooking creamy pasta dishes, and this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta recipe is one of my favorites! The combination of savory beef with rich, earthy mushrooms creates a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The creamy sauce is simple to whip up yet feels indulgent, holding all those comforting flavors together. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a salad or some crusty bread for a complete dining experience. Let me share how easy it is to make this delightful dish!

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-24T07:37:37.277Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. The key is to brown the beef and mushrooms separately to develop their rich flavors before combining them in the creamy sauce. This technique enhances the dish significantly, giving every bite a depth that you can truly enjoy.

Another tip I learned is to let the sauce simmer just a bit, allowing it to thicken and soak into the pasta perfectly. I often use fettuccine here, but feel free to substitute your favorite pasta. Every time I make it, my family devours the entire pot, asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta
Savory flavors of beef and mushrooms create a hearty meal
Quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights

Perfecting the Pasta

Cooking the fettuccine to al dente is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite, which will help it hold up against the creamy sauce. Typically, boiling for 8-10 minutes works well, but always check the package instructions as cooking times may vary depending on the brand. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; this can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

When draining the pasta, avoid rinsing it as this can wash away the starches that help the sauce cling. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, enhancing the overall taste of the dish from the base upwards. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the fettuccine with gluten-free pasta, ensuring to follow similar cooking instructions.

Beef and Mushroom Highlights

Choosing the right ground beef is important for this recipe; I recommend using an 80/20 fat content blend. The fat enriches the flavor and ensures your sauce remains creamy. If you prefer leaner meat, be aware that the sauce may lack richness—for that, you might want to add an extra splash of cream or a pat of butter at the end.

Mushrooms offer an earthy depth to the dish. Varieties like cremini or shiitake work particularly well due to their robust flavor that complements the beef. Be sure to cook them until golden brown to release their moisture, which adds to the sauce's overall consistency. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with adding a mix of wild mushrooms for a more complex flavor profile.

Sauce Secrets

The heavy cream forms the foundation of the sauce, giving it a decadently smooth texture. For a lighter alternative, you could opt for half-and-half or a richer plant-based cream, but keep in mind that the final flavor and texture might differ slightly. A light simmer is key to allowing the sauce to thicken without curdling; keep it at medium-low heat and stir frequently to avoid sticking.

Incorporating the Parmesan cheese off the heat helps maintain its creamy consistency without becoming grainy. If you don't have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can make excellent substitutes. Just remember to adjust the seasoning, as these cheeses can be saltier than Parmesan. To elevate the flavor, consider a splash of white wine during the sauce-making process for an added layer of richness.

Ingredients

Pasta and Meat

12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb ground beef
8 oz mushrooms, sliced

Sauce Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Beef and Mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, cooking until soft, then add the mushrooms and cook until tender.

Make the Sauce

To the skillet, add the beef back in along with the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 5 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and season with salt and pepper. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using a splash of white wine when making the sauce or swapping in your favorite mushrooms for a unique twist.

Storage and Reheating

This Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat and add a splash of beef broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency, stirring frequently. Microwaving can make the sauce clumpy, so I suggest the skillet method for best results.

If you're looking to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Combine them just before serving to ensure the best texture. For longer storage, consider freezing the prepared sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and then cook fresh pasta to serve with it.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your meal, pair this dish with a simple green salad tossed in a vinaigrette. The acidity will balance the richness of the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce in the bowl—an essential part of enjoying every last bite!

For a touch of freshness, consider garnishing with additional chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You might also enjoy a twist by adding sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor variation. These simple additions can make the dish even more satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with any pasta of your choice, such as penne or spaghetti.

→ Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can use ground turkey instead of beef and replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

A fresh salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish and adds a nice complement to the creamy flavors.