Truffle Mushroom Pasta - Creamy & Elegant Weeknight Favorite

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup half and half; 1 cup chicken broth; 0.5 beef bouillon cube; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 0.5 teaspoon parsley; 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme; 0.25 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon black truffle oil; 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided; 4 oz diced pancetta; 0.75 cup dry white wine; 8 oz cremini (baby bella) mushrooms; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 0.67 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 8 oz pappardelle pasta

This might be the creamiest, most luxurious pasta you can whip up on a weeknight. The earthy aroma and rich flavor of the Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe will have your kitchen smelling like a fancy Italian bistro in no time.

A white pan filled with creamy pasta showing wide, flat noodles in a light yellow color, mixed with sliced brown mushrooms and small pieces of light pink meat, all covered in a beige creamy sauce with visible small green herb bits. A pair of metal tongs rests inside the pan, lifting some of the noodles. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a bunch of green parsley leaves next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have a soft spot for recipes that feel special but aren't complicated. This Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe hits that mark every time — it’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough to make any weeknight feel like a treat.

Elegant Flavor Boost: The black truffle oil adds that signature earthy luxury that pairs beautifully with mushrooms.
Quick and Satisfying: You can have this done in under an hour, including prep and simmering time — perfect for busy days.
Rich, Creamy Sauce Without Fuss: The combination of half and half, broth, and a hint of cheese strikes the ideal balance of creaminess.
Flexible Ingredients: From swap-outs like prosciutto for pancetta to gluten-free pasta, this dish adapts to what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each element in this Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe plays a vital role — from the mushrooms’ meaty texture to the richness in the sauce, everything is carefully balanced. Here’s why I choose these ingredients when I cook this dish.

Flat lay of a small mound of golden pappardelle pasta nests, a handful of fresh cremini mushrooms with their brown caps and thick stems, three whole uncracked garlic cloves with pale papery skins, a pile of diced pink pancetta cubes, a wedge of pale-yellow Parmesan cheese with a slightly crumbly texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy half and half, a small white bowl holding clear chicken broth, another small white bowl with bright red hot sauce, a third small white bowl containing smooth Dijon mustard, a fourth small white bowl with dark brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of glossy black truffle oil, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a few fresh green parsley sprigs, a few bright green dried thyme sprigs, a few tiny dried oregano leaves, a fresh lemon wedge showing juicy pulp, all artfully and symmetrically arranged on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Half and half: Creamy without being too heavy, it keeps the sauce light and silky.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and umami, enhancing the mushroom flavor.
Beef bouillon cube: Just half a cube amps the savory notes without overpowering.
Hot sauce: A subtle kick that brightens the sauce—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and complexity.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami, making the sauce richer.
Black truffle oil: The star ingredient that gives the dish its luxurious aroma and earthy flavor.
Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruitiness.
Pancetta: A little salty and fatty punch to complement the mushrooms—if you don’t have it, prosciutto works well.
Dry white wine: Great for deglazing, it adds a lovely acidity that balances the cream.
Cremini mushrooms: Their firmer texture and deeper flavor make them better than white button mushrooms here.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential for that aromatic depth.
Butter and flour: The dynamic duo for creating a smooth, thick sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully and adds nutty richness.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce without making it taste lemony.
Pappardelle pasta: Wide noodles that hold the sauce perfectly, but feel free to swap with your fave pasta shape.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. Feel free to add your favorite herbs or swap ingredients to suit your taste — this recipe is very forgiving.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the pancetta and beef bouillon cube, and add extra mushrooms or roasted veggies for depth. I’ve done this often, and you’d never miss the meat.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or fontina for an extra gooey finish—I tried this once for a gathering and everyone asked for the recipe.
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cream and butter alternatives, mushroom broth instead of chicken, and skip the cheese or swap with nutritional yeast. I’m still perfecting this version but it’s promising!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe

A white bowl holds wide, flat pasta ribbons mixed with a creamy light beige sauce. Sliced brown mushrooms and small pieces of pink meat are scattered throughout the noodles. Thin strips of pale yellow cheese and small green parsley bits top the dish, while a few specks of black pepper add contrast. The bowl sits on a black marbled surface, with a soft white cloth visible beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring Those Flavors Together with the Sauce Base

Start by combining your half and half, chicken broth, bouillon cube, hot sauce, Dijon, Worcestershire, and dried herbs in a large measuring cup. This makes it easy to pour little by little later. Prep all your other ingredients now, because this recipe moves quickly once the cooking starts!

Step 2: Sauté Your Mushrooms

Heat the truffle oil and a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat, then add your diced cremini mushrooms. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt—it really brings out their flavor—and cook until you see liquid coming out, then raise the heat briefly to evaporate it. Watch closely so they brown without burning. Then set them aside for now; they’ll rejoin the party later.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Pancetta and Build Your Sauce

Use the same pan and add the remaining olive oil. Toss in your pancetta and cook just until it gets a little crisp and fragrant—about 3 minutes. Then stir in the butter and fresh garlic, cooking gently so the garlic sweetens without burning. Pour in the wine and let it bubble gently, reducing by half; this step lifts all those flavors into the sauce.

Step 4: Thicken with Flour and Bring Everything Together

Sprinkle the flour over your fragrant mixture and stir for two minutes—this cooks out the raw flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Next, add small splashes of your pre-made sauce base, stirring constantly. Then toss the mushrooms back in and bring everything to a gentle boil before turning it down to simmer.

Step 5: Cook Your Pasta and Finish the Sauce

While your sauce simmers gently, boil salted pasta water and cook your pasta to al dente. Drain and then stir your grated Parmesan and fresh lemon juice into the sauce over low heat—this prevents the cheese from clumping and keeps everything silky smooth. Toss the pasta in, coating every ribbon with that dreamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your pasta, crack some fresh pepper on top, and serve with crusty olive oil bread to soak up every last bit. Trust me, you’ll feel like a pasta pro!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe dozens of times, and a few tricks have saved me from common pitfalls. These tips really helped me nail the sauce texture and flavor, so you don’t have to stew over issues like broken sauce or lackluster mushrooms.

Salt Mushrooms Early: Salting the mushrooms during cooking draws out moisture and intensifies their flavor—don’t skip this!
Low Heat for Cheese: Add Parmesan at the very end over low heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
Reserve Pasta Water: Keep a little pasta cooking water on standby—it’s a lifesaver if your sauce thickens too much or gets clumpy.
Don’t Overdo Truffle Oil: Just a teaspoon goes a long way—too much can overpower the delicate balance of flavors.

How to Serve Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe

The image shows two cream-colored pots placed side by side on a black marbled texture. The left pot contains a single layer of cooked sliced brown mushrooms with a slightly browned look, being stirred by a turquoise spatula. The right pot shows a layer of small pink bits cooking in yellow melted butter, with white wine being poured in from a green-tinted bottle, also stirred by a turquoise spatula. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra shaved Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top for presentation and flavor punch. Sometimes I'll grate a tiny bit of fresh nutmeg or scatter finely chopped parsley for color and an herbal lift—both work beautifully.

Side Dishes

A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. I also love pairing it with garlic-rubbed toasted bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to balance the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I serve the pasta on warm shallow bowls and drizzle a tiny extra swirl of truffle oil on top just before serving—it always impresses guests! You can also nest the pasta into individual towers or use edible flowers to feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so it may seem a bit dense when cold, but it reheats beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times, wrapped tightly in freezer-safe containers. The texture changes slightly upon thawing, but the rich flavor remains. Definitely better reheated gently than fresh, but perfect for a make-ahead meal.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers on the stove over low heat using a double boiler method or a small saucepan with a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce without curdling. Microwaving can work, but I find stove-top reheats keep the texture smoother and flavors fresher.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the pappardelle for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free flour or a thickener alternative.

What if I don’t have truffle oil?

You can skip the truffle oil and use an extra teaspoon of olive oil instead. It won’t have the same earthy aroma, but the sauce and mushrooms still taste incredible.

Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Yes! Cremini mushrooms give the best texture and flavor, but baby portobellos, shiitakes, or even a wild mushroom mix work great. Avoid watery white button mushrooms if possible, as they can dilute the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat low when adding the cheese, and stir gently until just melted. Avoid boiling the sauce after cheese is added, as high heat can cause it to separate. Adding a splash of pasta water can help smooth any clumps.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe that feels like a celebration on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight pick-me-up or a cozy dinner with friends, it never fails to impress. I hope it becomes your go-to when you want simple luxury that’s totally doable. Seriously, give it a try — you’ll be hooked, just like I am!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way

Step-by-Step: How I Make Truffle Mushroom Pasta Recipe