Rigatoni with Mushroom Sauce

Name: Rigatoni with Mushroom Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Rigatoni pasta; Fresh mushrooms (cremini and shiitake); Heavy cream; Garlic; Onion; Parmesan cheese; Fresh thyme; Olive oil & butter; Salt & pepper

Published: March 3, 2025

by mimi

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This rigatoni with mushroom sauce is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
Its rich flavors will impress your guests without keeping you in the kitchen all day
The gorgeous presentation will have everyone reaching for their phones to snap a picture before digging in
Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair beautifully with various proteins or can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option

I still remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were floored by how delicious it was—one even declared it his new favorite.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Rigatoni Pasta: Opt for high-quality pasta; it holds the sauce beautifully and adds texture.
Fresh Mushrooms: Choose a mix of cremini and shiitake for depth of flavor and texture.
Heavy Cream: Use full-fat cream for a luscious sauce that tastes divine.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they add aromatic richness to the sauce.
Onion: A medium yellow onion provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds salty umami and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Fresh Thyme: This herb lends an earthy note that complements the mushrooms perfectly.
Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of both enhances flavor and richness in cooking.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors in this dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the mushrooms, garlic, and onion into small pieces. This step ensures even cooking and maximizes flavor.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for later.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add onions and sauté until translucent; then toss in garlic until fragrant.

Add Mushrooms: Stir in chopped mushrooms and cook until they turn golden brown and release their moisture. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Toss Pasta: Add cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat all pasta evenly; add reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.

Enjoy your homemade rigatoni with mushroom sauce hot from the stove. Serve garnished with fresh thyme or extra Parmesan if desired.

Now that you’ve conquered this delightful dish, let’s talk about storage. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—but good luck having any left after your family devours it.

You Must Know

This delightful rigatoni with mushroom sauce will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests
The rich aroma of sautéed mushrooms mingling with garlic creates a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen, making it the perfect comfort meal for any occasion

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the mushrooms until golden brown, then cook the rigatoni while preparing the creamy sauce. This method ensures everything is perfectly timed and delicious.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out mushrooms for spinach or add some crushed red pepper for a kick. Personalizing this dish makes it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of cream to revive its luscious texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To keep your sauce creamy, avoid overcooking the pasta
Perfect pasta should be al dente and absorb some sauce flavor
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for best results; it’s a game-changer

Cooking this rigatoni with mushroom sauce always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter fills the room, and everyone fights over the last serving. Good times.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use different types of mushrooms?

Yes, feel free to mix various mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for added flavor.

How do I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make it vegan-friendly.

What can I serve alongside rigatoni with mushroom sauce?

A fresh garden salad or crusty garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish.