Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Farfalle

Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Farfalle is a comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish that brings together earthy mushrooms, rich Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and a silky, cream-based sauce. Farfalle’s bow-tie shape is ideal for catching the creamy sauce and mushroom bits in every bite, making this dish both satisfying and well-balanced. Simple ingredients, cooked with care, create a pasta that feels indulgent without being heavy.

This recipe highlights how creamy pasta dishes don’t need excess to feel luxurious. With quality dry pasta, properly sautéed mushrooms, and just enough cheese and cream, the flavors stay clear, savory, and deeply comforting.

What Makes Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Farfalle Special

What makes Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Farfalle special is its focus on texture and restraint. Mushrooms bring an earthy depth that pairs naturally with garlic and aged Parmi, while the cream smooths everything out without masking the ingredients.

Farfalle plays an important role here. Its ridges and folds hold onto the sauce, creating a consistent bite that balances creaminess with structure. This dish is a reminder that great pasta isn’t about complexity — it’s about choosing the right pasta shape and letting familiar ingredients work together naturally.

Garlic Parmesan Mushroom and Farfalle

Recipe by Nick FranceDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Ingredients

14 oz bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz mushrooms, sliced
5 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flake
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the farfalle until al dente.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add onion and sauté until starting to soften, about 2 minutes.
Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 3 minutes more. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in vegetable broth and cream and let simmer until the sauce reduces a bit, about 2 minutes.
Add Parmigiano Reggiano, pepper flakes, and thyme, and cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Stir in pasta, adjust seasoning as needed, and enjoy!

Wine Pairing: What to Drink with Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Farfalle

Best Pairing: Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked)

Why This Pairing Works

Chardonnay is the best match for this dish because its body and acidity complement the creamy sauce while enhancing the savory flavors of mushrooms and Parmesan. An unoaked or lightly oaked style adds richness without overpowering the dish, mirroring the creaminess of the pasta while keeping the overall experience balanced and food-friendly.

House rule: When the sauce is creamy and mushroom-forward, choose a wine with structure and acidity — not sweetness or heavy oak.

Don't just make this recipe; experience it. This isn't just a meal—it's a moment. A chance to slow down, savor a timeless flavor, and share it with those you love. So, put on some music, pour a glass of wine, and let the aroma fill your kitchen. Because, as I always say, "to eat well is to live well," and this dish is the perfect place to start.

Buon appetito!

Ciao a tutti! I’m Nick, an Italian-American home chef with roots in Brooklyn and Long Island. My love for cooking began in the kitchens I grew up in. For me, it's about sharing my family and heritage with you.

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Eat Pasta Like An Italian.

(Mangia La Pasta Come Un Italiano)

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