Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms

This Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms is easy to make with less than 10 ingredients and is the perfect side dish for chicken, steak, or seafood! With a rich and flavorful parmesan garlic sauce, it's a 30 minute easy pasta dish that everyone loves.

Craving comfort food but don’t want something too heavy? This Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms will hit the spot. This lightly sauced pasta has the best of everything. Savory parmesan cheese, crisp but tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles creates the best side dish!

With just two pans and less than 10 ingredients, this easy pantry pasta is a recipe that everyone will love. The sauce is a lighter cream sauce, perfect for a weeknight meal when paired with a protein or more veggies.

I’ll be the first to say I love a cream-based, heavy pastas like fettuccini alfredo. However, sometimes it’s not the best thing to complement the protein I want to cook. This light pasta goes excellent with Italian-Style Meatballs, Roasted Juicy Drumsticks, Salmon Patties, Balsamic Flank Steak, and Blackened Fish!

Why You'll like this recipe

• Perfect Protein Pairing: This recipe can go with any protein. It’s excellent with a seared steak, grilled chicken, or broiled fish.
• Easy to Prepare & Easy Weeknight Dinner: With only 9 simple ingredients, it makes for a great side dish option on busy weeknights!
• Customizable: The types of vegetables used are easy to adjust or can be omitted.
• Comfort Food Perfection: The parmesan pasta recipe is everything you’re looking for in a feel-good meal!

Ingredients for Mushroom Asparagus Pasta

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Olive Oil: Caramelizes the vegetables and adds richness and flavor to the dish.
• Asparagus: Adds a crisp and fresh texture, along with a slightly sweet flavor. Also adds a pop of color.
• Mushrooms: Introduce textures, earthiness, and umami to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Cooks the pasta and adds savoriness and flavor to the dish.
• Pasta: The main carbohydrate source and foundation of the dish.
• Butter: Contributes richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic and savory notes.
• Milk: Provides the ultimate smooth texture and creaminess to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor, contributing to the richness of the dish.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

• Large Skillet
• Stockpot
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Stirring Spoon
• Rotary Cheese Grater
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

How to make Pasta with Mushrooms and Asparagus

1. In a large skillet on medium/high heat, sauté asparagus and mushrooms in olive oil until tender. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside. 

2. In a medium pan, bring chicken broth (plus 1 cup water if using 16 ounces pasta) to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. There will be liquid remaining when tender. Do not drain.

3. While the noodles cook, in the same large skillet used to sauté the vegetables, melt butter on medium-low heat. Sauté garlic until lightly browned, about 1 minute. 

4. Add milk and stir until it simmers. Add ½ cup of the parmesan cheese, and stir until smooth. 

5. Transfer the cooked noodles and remaining liquid in the pan to the parmesan garlic sauce. Toss to coat well. 

6. Stir in ¼-1/2 cup additional parmesan until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Optional: Fold the reserved veggies back into the pasta. Serve topped with additional parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips and Substitutions

• Cook the pasta al dente. Cook until al dente which means slightly firm to the bite. The noodles will continue to cook in the sauce.
• Be cautious of how much salt to add. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly. Parmesan is salty, so be mindful of the salt added.
• Use freshly grated parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and creaminess.
• Substitute the milk. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can substitute milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Try a new cheese. While Parmesan is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
• Use your favorite veggies. Customize with your favorite vegetables if asparagus or mushrooms are not to your liking. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, or peas can be good alternatives.
• Try a lighter version without butter. For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of butter or substitute it with olive oil.
• Use chicken or vegetable broth. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be a suitable alternative.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

For the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Consume within 3-4 days. Beyond this timeframe, the quality may start to degrade.

Avoid Freezing: While pasta dishes with cream-based sauces can be frozen, the quality of Alfredo sauce may be affected. If you choose to freeze, note that the texture of the sauce might change upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Pasta Recipes

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• Cajun Alfredo Pasta
• Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake