Julia Walton
Indulge in the rich, earthy flavors of morel mushrooms combined with silky pasta coated in a velvety cream sauce. This dish brings together the deep umami of wild mushrooms with a luxurious, buttery sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. Whether you’re making a romantic dinner for two or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe will elevate any mealtime with its gourmet taste.
The best part? Despite its fancy appeal, this pasta is surprisingly simple to make. With fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan adding layers of flavor, it’s a delightful way to turn an ordinary weeknight into a restaurant-quality experience. Serve it hot, and you’ll impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
What Makes Morel Mushrooms Special for This Pasta?
Morel mushrooms are prized for their honeycomb-like structure and nutty, earthy taste. When sautéed, they develop a meaty texture that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces. Unlike common button mushrooms, morels absorb flavors while maintaining their distinct character, making them the star of this dish.
Ingredients for the Morel Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce
Morel Mushrooms – The heart of the dish, providing a rich, earthy, and nutty depth of flavor.
Pasta (Fettuccine or Tagliatelle) – Long, flat noodles that hold onto the creamy sauce, delivering a satisfying bite.
Heavy Cream – Creates the luxurious, velvety base of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds sharpness and umami, balancing the richness of the cream.
Garlic – Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic depth.
Butter – Helps sauté the mushrooms to golden perfection and adds richness to the sauce.
Fresh Thyme – Brightens the earthy flavors with herbal freshness.
Olive Oil – Prevents the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity note.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the dish.
How to Make the Morel Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce
Step 1: Prep and Clean the Morels
Gently clean the morel mushrooms by brushing away dirt or rinsing them quickly under cold water. Pat them dry immediately to avoid soaking up too much water.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the morels and sauté for 5–6 minutes until they become golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or tagliatelle according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low, and stir gently. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust the consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Return the sautéed mushrooms to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh thyme.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and garnish with a sprig of thyme. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Serving and Storing Morel Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce
This pasta is best enjoyed hot, fresh from the skillet when the sauce is at its creamiest. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore its silky texture.
What to Serve With Morel Mushroom Pasta?
Garlic Bread with Herb Butter
Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Roasted Asparagus
Lightly seasoned asparagus balances the richness of the creamy pasta.
Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
The tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess for a refreshing bite.
Seared Chicken Breast
For added protein, serve alongside simply seasoned chicken.
Crisp White Wine
A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the earthy morels beautifully.
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Crispy and cheesy potatoes make a hearty, comforting side.
Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a bright, summery touch.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
A quick, healthy green that pairs effortlessly with creamy pasta dishes.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?
If you love this creamy morel mushroom pasta, you’ll likely enjoy these other delicious options:
• Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for a spicy seafood kick.
• Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni for a hearty, meaty option.
• Ultimate One-Pan Creamy Honey Butter Steak Pasta for a rich, indulgent treat.
• Cheesy Ranch Chicken Garlic Butter Fettuccine if you’re craving creamy comfort food.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this creamy pasta idea to your favorite Pinterest board so you can whip it up anytime you’re craving a gourmet meal.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of truffle oil or a handful of crispy pancetta? Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite pasta dish might be waiting there.
Morel Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Sauce
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 250 g morel mushrooms
- 300 g fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Clean the morel mushrooms by brushing away dirt or rinsing quickly under cold water, then pat dry immediately.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the morels and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden brown, then set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and lower the heat. Stir in Parmesan until the sauce thickens. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Return mushrooms to the skillet, add pasta, and toss to coat. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh thyme.