If you adore dishes that combine rich, comforting flavors with a touch of elegance, then this Creamy Garlic Butter Mushrooms Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender mushrooms bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, enhanced by the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the earthiness of fresh spinach, and the smooth richness of heavy cream and parmesan. This dish feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that can elevate any meal from everyday to extraordinary. Let me walk you through everything you need to create this delicious classic at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in building the depth and harmony of this recipe. From the buttery foundation to the fresh herbs, every item adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and brings out the mushrooms’ meaty flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic finely diced: Adds a vibrant, aromatic punch that’s essential for garlic lovers.
- 21 ounces mushrooms, washed and dried: The star ingredient delivering earthy, tender bites throughout the dish.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings subtle sweetness and texture complexity when caramelized slightly.
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional): Introduces a delicate acidity that balances richness and brightens flavors.
- 5 oz sun dried tomato strips in oil, reserving 1 tbsp oil: Infuses a tangy, umami element and beautiful pops of red color.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: The creamy heart that envelops ingredients creating luscious sauce.
- Pinch of salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every flavor.
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves, washed: Adds freshness, vibrant color, and slight earthiness to the dish.
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, savory note and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional): Perfect for those who crave a thicker, more velvety sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a bright, herbal finish for contrast and freshness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the salted butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the finely diced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onions turn translucent and slightly golden. This step builds the foundation of your sauce with fragrant sweetness and depth.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
Next, toss in your cleaned and dried mushrooms. Allow them to cook undisturbed for a few minutes so they develop a beautiful sear before stirring. This caramelization brings out the mushrooms’ natural meaty flavor, essential for that comforting umami punch. Keep cooking until they soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine
If you’re using white wine, add it now. Pour slowly into the hot pan and gently scrape the bottom to lift any browned bits—the flavor gold of your pan. Let the wine simmer and reduce slightly, concentrating flavors while softening the mushrooms further. If you prefer to skip the wine, you can use a splash of broth or simply continue to step 4.
Step 4: Add Sun Dried Tomatoes and Cream
Stir in the sun dried tomato strips along with the reserved tomato oil. The tangy, intense sun dried tomatoes elevate the dish’s flavor profile beautifully. Pour in the heavy cream next, stirring gently to combine everything into a smooth, velvety sauce that envelops each mushroom and vegetable bite.
Step 5: Season and Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to season. If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water and pour into the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This silky sauce should coat the mushrooms luxuriously, giving you that classic creamy garlic butter touch.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach, Parmesan, and Parsley
Stir in the fresh baby spinach and grated parmesan cheese. The spinach wilts gently into the warmth of the sauce, adding freshness and color, while the parmesan melts in, enhancing richness and adding a savory twist. Finish by folding in the chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous note to round out the flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a dusting of freshly grated parmesan on top looks inviting and adds just a hint of fresh herbal or cheesy flavor that complements each bite perfectly. For a touch of crunch, a few toasted pine nuts on the side can elevate the texture delightfully.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Butter Mushrooms Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce or atop fluffy mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal. You can also serve it over freshly cooked pasta or alongside grilled chicken for added protein and a gourmet touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in a shallow bowl garnished with fresh herbs for a rustic feel. For a more elegant presentation, plate the mushrooms over a neat bed of creamy polenta or risotto, then drizzle the remaining sauce strategically over the top. Little touches like edible flowers or microgreens can also make it a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy garlic butter mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well due to texture changes, you can freeze this mushroom dish if needed. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid separating the cream. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the sauce’s silky texture if it thickens too much. Microwaving works too, but use short bursts and stir in between for best results.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! While button or cremini mushrooms are great for this recipe, feel free to experiment with shiitake, portobello, or even wild mushrooms. Each variety brings a unique flavor and texture that can make this dish even more exciting.
Is the white wine necessary?
The white wine adds brightness and depth, but it’s optional. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can skip it or substitute with a splash of vegetable or chicken broth. The dish will still be delicious and creamy.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can! Use vegan butter, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and swap parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative. It won’t be quite the same but still wonderfully flavorful.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy enough to coat the mushrooms smoothly but not overly thick. If you prefer a richer texture, add the cornstarch slurry gradually until it reaches your ideal consistency.
What can I serve with this creamy mushroom dish?
This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like garlic bread, creamy polenta, pasta, grilled meats, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Creamy Garlic Butter Mushrooms Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels both decadent and comforting at the same time. Whether served as a side or the star of your plate, the combination of garlic, butter, creamy sauce, and mushrooms is pure magic. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved favorite in my kitchen. Happy cooking, and enjoy every rich, flavorful bite!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Mushrooms Recipe
Creamy Garlic Butter Mushrooms is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender mushrooms sautéed with garlic, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes, then simmered in a luscious heavy cream sauce with Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and Italian herbs. This comforting recipe is perfect as a side dish or a decadent topping for steaks and pasta.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Butter and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
Mushrooms and Vegetables
- 21 ounces mushrooms, washed and dried with paper towel
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves, washed
Additional Flavors
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 5 oz sun dried tomato strips, jarred in oil (reserve 1 tablespoon of the jarred oil for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Dairy and Thickeners
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, fresh grated
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional – mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water for a thicker sauce)
Seasonings
- 1 pinch salt, to taste
- 1 pinch pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dry the mushrooms thoroughly with a paper towel. Finely dice the garlic, chop the onion, chop the fresh parsley, and measure out the sun-dried tomato strips, reserving one tablespoon of the oil from the jar.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Mushrooms and Tomatoes: Add the mushrooms and reserved sun-dried tomato oil to the skillet. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, if using, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and flavor to concentrate, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Greens and Cheese: Fold in the baby spinach leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic butter mushrooms warm as a side dish, or as a savory topping for grilled meats, pasta, or toasted bread.
Notes
- Heavy cream adds richness; for a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half but expect a less creamy texture.
- The white wine is optional but adds depth to the flavor profile; it can be omitted or replaced with vegetable broth.
- Using the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes enhances the overall flavor, so do not discard it.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional and only needed if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese is recommended for best melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
