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: 400g fettuccine or spaghetti; Salt for the pasta water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 500g ground beef; 200g mushrooms, sliced; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 200ml beef broth; 200ml heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple Comfort Cooking

I love making Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta because it combines hearty flavors with a rich sauce that feels indulgent yet comforting. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when I need to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen. The sautéed mushrooms add an earthy depth, while the creamy sauce brings everything together beautifully. It’s a family favorite that I look forward to serving, and I hope you will enjoy it just as much as I do!

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-02-24T06:17:36.850Z

When I first tried making Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. The key is to brown the beef and sauté the mushrooms until they're golden and fragrant, which builds layers of flavor. The addition of cream creates a beautiful sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.

One tip I've found helpful is to reserve some pasta water when cooking the noodles; it helps to loosen the sauce and gives it a silky texture. Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded why it has become a staple in my home!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta
Savory beef and earthy mushrooms combine beautifully
Quick to prepare for a satisfying weeknight dinner

Choosing the Right Pasta

For this Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta, I recommend fettuccine or spaghetti because their shapes hold onto the rich sauce beautifully. Fettuccine, being flat and wide, creates a perfect base for the creamy sauce, allowing each bite to be filled with flavor. You can also experiment with other pasta shapes like pappardelle or even whole wheat varieties, but ensure they have a good surface area for the sauce to cling to.

Don’t forget to generously salt your pasta water; this is the key to flavoring the pasta itself. The water should taste somewhat like the sea, which will help enhance the overall dish. When draining the pasta, reserve some of that salted water to adjust the sauce's consistency later if needed.

Enhancing the Sauce

The sauce in this recipe is what makes it truly indulgent. The combination of beef broth and heavy cream results in a rich and savory sauce that envelops the pasta. You can add a touch of grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra depth. If you like a bit of heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a gentle kick.

Stir the cream into the sauce only after the broth has simmered for a few minutes; this allows the flavors to develop more fully. Be cautious not to boil the cream, as it can curdle. Instead, keep the heat low once the cream is added, stirring continuously until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.

Serving and Storing Tips

For serving, fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and a pop of freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish. Feel free to also add freshly grated cheese on top, which enhances the flavors even further. Pair this pasta with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s original consistency. This dish also makes a fantastic meal prep option, as the flavors continue to meld together deliciously when stored.

Ingredients

Pasta Ingredients

400g fettuccine or spaghetti
Salt for the pasta water

Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
500g ground beef
200g mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
200ml beef broth
200ml heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until the mushrooms are browned and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Create the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Then, lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy beef and mushroom pasta!

Pro Tips

For added depth, you can include a splash of white wine when sautéing the beef and mushrooms, allowing it to reduce before adding the broth.

Ingredient Swaps

If ground beef isn't your preference, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Veggie lovers might appreciate using diced plant-based proteins or mushrooms alone, significantly enhancing the earthy flavor profile while keeping it meat-free.

For a gluten-free alternative, you can use gluten-free pasta varieties. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the specific pasta you choose, as gluten-free options tend to cook differently than traditional wheat pasta.

Make-Ahead Strategy

To save time on busy weeknights, consider prepping your ingredients in advance. Slice the mushrooms, diced onions, and garlic, then store them together in the refrigerator. This way, when it’s time to cook, you can quickly throw everything in the skillet without much hassle.

You can also cook the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Just cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to serve; this maintains the perfect al dente texture and prevents it from becoming mushy in the fridge.

Variations to Try

You can easily switch up the flavor of the dish by adding different herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Simply toss in fresh herbs toward the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant flavor, or use dried Italian seasoning while acknowledging the moisture balance in the sauce.

For a more indulgent variation, consider adding cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce, which will further enhance its creaminess and richness. Additionally, sautéed spinach or kale can be a nutritious addition, adding color and texture while complementing the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This sauce pairs well with any pasta shape, so feel free to use your favorite.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or a plant-based cream substitute if you're looking for a dairy-free option.

→ How can I make this recipe more flavorful?

Try adding Italian herbs like oregano or thyme, or even some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.