Creamy Mushroom Cavatappi Pasta with Parmesan and Scallions

If you love mushrooms, this pasta is for you. Sliced cremini mushrooms are the star, bringing deep, earthy flavors to every bite. Tossed with springy cavatappi spirals and a creamy garlic herb sauce, this dish is pure comfort.

Finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this umami-packed meal is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s simple enough for a busy day but special enough to impress.

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Ingredients

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Cavatappi PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit MilkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Garlic Herb ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon FlourView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Button MushroomsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt the garlic herb butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the sliced scallions (reserve a few for garnish) and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the cooked pasta and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved scallions and extra Parmesan if desired.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli or rotini works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, milk, cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives. The sauce may be slightly thinner but still delicious.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Absolutely. Cooked chicken, shrimp or crispy bacon make great additions. Add them when you toss the pasta with the sauce.