Bow Tie Pasta With Mushroom Cream Sauce

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Mushroom Cream Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz bow tie pasta; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup white wine; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Cooking Favorites

When I think of comfort food, bow tie pasta with a rich mushroom cream sauce immediately comes to mind. This dish transports me to cozy evenings spent cooking in my kitchen, where the aroma of sautéed mushrooms and garlic fill the air. I love how the creamy sauce clings to each bow tie, creating a delightful texture that feels luxurious while being simple enough for weeknight dinners. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is perfect for satisfying cravings while still impressing family and friends.

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-02-27T16:49:34.572Z

As I simmered the mushrooms in butter, the rich, earthy aroma filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Adding a splash of white wine not only enhanced the flavor but also deglazed the pan beautifully, ensuring every bit of goodness was incorporated into the sauce. I realized that the key to this recipe is patience; allowing the sauce to thicken just a bit makes all the difference in achieving that luxurious creaminess.

When serving, I like to sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and additional freshness. The guests I’ve shared this with always rave about the flavors and how it feels like a restaurant dish made at home. It's a great reminder that sometimes, simple ingredients can create remarkable meals.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Heavenly combination of earthy mushrooms and rich cream
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile enough to pair with your favorite proteins or vegetables

Perfecting the Mushroom Cream Sauce

The star of this dish is undeniably the mushroom cream sauce. When selecting mushrooms, opt for a variety that offers a rich earthiness, such as cremini or shiitake. Their robust flavors can elevate the cream sauce from simple to luxurious. Ensure you cook the mushrooms until they are well browned, as this caramelization adds depth to the overall flavor. Keep an eye on the heat; medium heat is ideal to avoid burning while allowing the natural juices to release.

Once the mushrooms are ready, deglazing the pan with white wine is crucial. This step not only adds acidity that balances the creaminess, but it also lifts all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for about a minute to cook off the alcohol and enhance the flavor profile. I find that using a dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, imparts a lovely brightness that complements the dish beautifully.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

The key to achieving a harmonious sauce lies in balancing the creaminess with seasoning. As you incorporate the heavy cream, season the mixture with salt and pepper gradually. Tasting the sauce as you go helps ensure you achieve the right amount of seasoning. If the sauce feels too heavy, consider adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving to brighten the flavors.

For an extra layer of texture, consider adding a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce just before mixing in the pasta. This will make the sauce even more luscious and add a delightful umami kick. If you're looking to adjust for dietary preferences, a plant-based cream can also be used without sacrificing texture, making this dish accessible for everyone.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This dish shines on its own, but it can also be customized with additional ingredients. Stirring in spinach or kale near the end of cooking adds a nutritious boost. I often toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp to adapt it into a heartier meal. For a fun twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for an entirely new flavor dimension.

If you're preparing this dish in advance, store the components separately. Cooked pasta can be refrigerated, and the sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to revive its creamy texture. This way, dinner is quick and effortless on busy weeknights.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

8 oz bow tie pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup white wine
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 bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté the Mushrooms

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are browned and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Wine and Cream

Pour in the white wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute, then add the heavy cream. Stir well and let the sauce thicken for about 3-4 minutes.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir until well combined.

Serve and Garnish

Serve the pasta hot, garnishing with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious bowl of bow tie pasta with mushroom cream sauce!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. You can also substitute the mushrooms with asparagus or spinach for a different twist.

Key Ingredient Insights

Bow tie pasta, or farfalle, is ideal for this recipe due to its unique shape, which captures the sauce wonderfully in its folds. Cooking the pasta until al dente is essential; it should have a slight bite, which will help it hold up when mixed with the creamy sauce. Be sure to add the salt to the boiling water before cooking, as this will enhance the pasta's flavor from the inside out.

Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color as a garnish but also brings a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley can work in a pinch, but the fresh herb provides a much brighter flavor in contrast to the creamy elements.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your sauce seems too thick after combining with the pasta, don't hesitate to incorporate more of that reserved pasta water. The starchy water acts like a natural emulsifier and can help loosen the sauce while also ensuring it adheres well to the pasta. Generally, a tablespoon at a time will do the trick without making your sauce too watery.

Should you find your sauce lacking in flavor, even after seasoning, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of soy sauce. The heat or the umami from these ingredients can quickly elevate the overall taste. Remember to adjust slowly, tasting frequently to ensure you’re enhancing the flavors just right.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bow tie pasta works wonderfully, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Just ensure your white wine is vegetarian-friendly and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if needed.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I freeze the mushroom cream sauce?

While it's possible to freeze the sauce, the texture may change upon thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh!