20-Minute Creamy Parmesan Sautéed Mushrooms
Tender cremini mushrooms are sautéed until golden and caramelized, then finished with garlic, fresh thyme, and a rich cream sauce studded with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This elegant side dish pairs beautifully with steaks, roasted chicken, or pasta dishes. The combination of butter and olive oil creates the perfect cooking medium for developing deep mushroom flavor, while the splash of cream and cheese transforms simple mushrooms into something restaurant-worthy. Fresh parsley adds a bright finish to this versatile dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cremini mushrooms, halved if large or left whole if small
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup water
- 2 sprigs thyme, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped
- salt, to taste(optional)
- pepper, to taste(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil and butter, allowing butter to melt and mixture to get hot
- 2
Add mushrooms and thyme and sauté until they begin to slump down and develop good color
- 3
Add garlic and cook until fragrant, then add water and allow it to reduce
- 4
Season with salt and pepper, add cream, Parmesan and parsley and cook briefly
- 5
Serve immediately
Tips
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking mushrooms or they'll steam instead of brown properly
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality
Add garlic near the end to prevent burning and bitter flavors
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container
Can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and reheated gently
Serve immediately while hot as a side dish
Common Mistakes
Don't add garlic too early or it will burn and become bitter
Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent mushrooms from steaming
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Yes, button mushrooms, baby bellas, or mixed wild mushrooms work well. Adjust cooking time based on mushroom size and type.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute olive oil for butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.