Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Clean and slice the mushrooms into even pieces. If you’re using large mushrooms like portobello, you may want to chop them into smaller pieces. Set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture. Allow them to cook until the moisture evaporates and they become golden brown.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the mushrooms are cooked through and golden, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the cream to heat up and thicken slightly, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Add the thyme or Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Simmer and Serve

Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken further, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce is well incorporated with the mushrooms.

Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the mushrooms to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

These Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms are a versatile dish that can complement a variety of main courses. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• As a Side Dish: Serve these creamy mushrooms alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or baked fish for a delicious, well-rounded meal.
• On Top of Pasta: Spoon the creamy mushrooms over your favorite pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti) for a luxurious and satisfying dish.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the mushrooms on a bed of rice or quinoa for a simple, yet flavorful vegetarian meal.
• On Toast: Spread them over a slice of toasted baguette or sourdough for a deliciously decadent appetizer or light lunch.
• In a Salad: For a twist, serve the mushrooms over a fresh green salad or with a bed of arugula for a savory, hearty salad.

Why This Dish is So Delicious

• Mushrooms: Mushrooms are naturally savory and earthy, making them the perfect base for a creamy dish. They absorb the flavors of the garlic and Parmesan while maintaining their texture.
• Garlic: The garlic adds a fragrant, aromatic flavor that enhances the depth of the mushrooms and the cream sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan is a key ingredient in this dish, contributing a rich, nutty, and slightly salty flavor that complements the cream and mushrooms beautifully.
• Heavy Cream: The heavy cream creates a silky smooth sauce, giving the dish its luxurious texture and balancing the sharpness of the Parmesan.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms

• Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated. Fresh cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce and adds a richer taste.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To get the perfect golden-brown mushrooms, avoid overcrowding the pan. If your pan is too full, the mushrooms will steam instead of browning.
• Adjust the Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a little extra cream. Stir to combine and adjust the consistency to your liking.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover creamy garlic Parmesan mushrooms in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the mushrooms in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between.

Conclusion

These Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms are the perfect addition to any meal, bringing a burst of rich flavor and a creamy texture that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you serve them as a side dish, over pasta, or as a topping for toast, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress your family and friends.

So, next time you want a comforting, flavorful side dish, give this recipe a try. The creamy garlic Parmesan mushrooms are sure to become a favorite on your dinner table!