Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta

There is a specific smell that fills the kitchen when butter starts to brown that instantly makes everyone hungry. Max calls it the "popcorn smell," but to me, it is the scent of pure comfort. This Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta is our favorite way to turn a simple weeknight into something that feels like a fancy restaurant dinner. It is nutty, earthy, and coated in a glossy sauce that clings to every single noodle.

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Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta
• How To Make Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta
• What Pairs Well With Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta
• Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta Variations
• Equipment
• Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
• Top Tips for Best Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta
• Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta FAQs
• A Bowl of pure Comfort
• Related
• Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta

Why You Will Love This Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta

You will love this recipe because it uses the "liquid gold" of the culinary world—brown butter—to elevate humble ingredients. It takes less than 25 minutes to make, yet the flavors are incredibly complex. The nutty aroma of the butter pairs perfectly with the savory mushrooms, while a splash of cream and parmesan creates a luxurious sauce without being heavy or clumpy.

How To Make Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta

The magic of this dish lies in the timing. We start by browning the butter until it smells toasted and rich, then use that flavorful base to sear the mushrooms until they are golden brown, not soggy. The sauce comes together by emulsifying the hot butter, a little cream, parmesan cheese, and starchy pasta water. This creates that silky, glossy coating you see in the pictures that coats the pasta perfectly.

Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta Ingredients

The Pasta & Base

• 1 lb spaghetti or linguine (dried or fresh)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1 lb cremini or baby bella mushrooms; sliced
• 2 cloves garlic; minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage or thyme leaves (optional but recommended)

The Sauce

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup reserved pasta water (liquid gold!)
• Salt and plenty of cracked black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Step by Step Method

Boil the Water

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.
• Mom Tip: Before draining, scoop out a big mug of the starchy pasta water. You will need this for the sauce!

Brown the Butter

• While the water boils, place the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Let it melt and foam. Swirl the pan occasionally until the foam subsides and you see little brown specks at the bottom and smell a nutty aroma.

Sauté the Mushrooms

• Immediately add the sliced mushrooms to the brown butter.
• Cook for 5–7 minutes without stirring too much so they get nice and brown edges.
• Add the garlic and herbs (sage or thyme) and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Create the Emulsion

• Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and half of the reserved pasta water.
• Simmer gently for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly into a brown butter mushroom sauce.

Toss and Serve

• Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.
• Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss vigorously with tongs.
• Add more pasta water as needed until the sauce is glossy and coats the noodles.
• Season generously with black pepper and serve immediately.

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MAX’S REACTION

"It tastes like fancy movie theater popcorn but on spaghetti! The mushrooms are actually yummy when they are crispy like this. I bet I can eat a whole bowl without stopping."

What Pairs Well With Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta

This pasta is rich and savory, so it pairs beautifully with a crisp, acidic salad like arugula with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the butter. A piece of crusty garlic bread is also essential for mopping up any leftover sauce at the bottom of the bowl. If you want more protein, a simple grilled chicken breast or seared scallops work wonders on top.

Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta Variations

Chicken & Mushroom

Slice a grilled chicken breast and toss it in at the end for a hearty Chicken Mushroom and brown butter pasta dinner.

Spinach & Garlic

Wilt a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce right before adding the pasta. It adds color and nutrition without changing the flavor profile.

Lemon Lift

Squeeze half a lemon over the finished dish. The acidity brightens up the heavy butter flavor and makes the mushrooms taste even earthier.

Sage Butter

If you love herbs, fry whole sage leaves in the butter until crispy, remove them, and crumble them on top as a garnish for an authentic Brown butter sage mushroom pasta.

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Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan (light-colored pans help you see the butter browning)
• Tongs
• Chef's knife
• Cheese grater
• Mom Tip: Use a stainless steel or light ceramic pan if possible. It is much easier to see when the butter turns golden brown compared to a black non-stick pan.

Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips

Reheating

Butter-based sauces can break when reheated. To fix this, reheat the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water over low heat, tossing constantly to re-emulsify the sauce.

Fridge Life

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor actually develops more overnight, though the pasta may absorb the sauce.

Freezing

We do not recommend freezing this dish. The creamy butter emulsion tends to separate and become oily when thawed.

Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta FAQs

A Bowl of pure Comfort

This pasta feels like a hug on a plate. It is simple enough for a Tuesday but special enough for a date night in. If you are looking for more comforting family meals, you have to try our famous Crack Chicken Noodle Soup, the cheesy and decadent Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, or our vibrant Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls.

Share your Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta! Tag us @HannahCooking with #BrownButterPasta; we’re dying to see your version and hear about your homemade kitchen stories!

⭐️ Rate this Creamy Brown Butter Mushroom Pasta recipe and let us know what twists or ingredients you used!

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