Creamy Garlic Mushroom Recipe – Easy Vegan and Vegetarian Meal

ByEmily Healthy Recipes
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Recipe - Easy Vegan and Vegetarian Meal

Indulge in this incredibly flavorful creamy garlic mushroom recipe that’s ready to impress in under 30 minutes. Rich, savory, and packed with aromatic garlic and herbs, this versatile dish works perfectly as a main course or side dish. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, these tender mushrooms in a luscious cream sauce will become your go-to comfort food. Perfect for both vegans and vegetarians, this recipe proves that plant-based cooking can be absolutely divine!

Ingredients

For the Garlic Mushrooms:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 100 g (¾ cup) onion, finely chopped
  • 20 g (2 tablespoons) garlic, finely chopped
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
  • 450-460 g (6¼ cups) white mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, cut into ¼-inch pieces
  • ½ to ¾ teaspoon salt (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 12 g (1 tablespoon) all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free)
  • 175 ml (¾ cup) vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons plant-based cream, or to taste

For Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon (5-6 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)

Optional Pasta Serving:

  • 225 g (8 oz) dry linguine pasta
  • ¼ cup plant-based parmesan cheese
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Add Garlic and Spices

Add the finely chopped garlic and chili flakes to the softened onions. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be very careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.

Cook the Tomato Paste

Add 1½ tablespoons of tomato paste to the pot and increase the heat to medium. Fry the tomato paste for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, to cook out the raw flavor and allow it to caramelize slightly.

Cook the Mushrooms

Add the chopped mushrooms to the pot along with ½ to ¾ teaspoon of salt, fresh thyme, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. The salt will help draw out the moisture from the mushrooms. Cook on medium heat for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the water released from the mushrooms has evaporated and they begin to brown.

Add the Flour

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook on medium to medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to eliminate the raw flour taste. Be careful not to let the flour burn.

Create the Sauce

Pour in the vegetable broth and stir immediately to mix the flour into the liquid, preventing any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Add the Cream

Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then add 3 tablespoons of plant-based cream. Cook for another 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick and creamy.

Final Touches

Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley and additional ground black pepper if desired. Cover the pot with the lid and let the dish rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to develop further.

Serve

Serve the creamy garlic mushrooms over cooked linguine pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread. If serving with pasta, toss the cooked pasta with the mushroom sauce, sprinkle with plant-based parmesan cheese, add ground black pepper, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.

Time and Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2-3 servings

Nutrition (per serving, without pasta)

Calories: 245 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 520mg

Why This Recipe Is Good for You

This creamy garlic mushroom recipe is a nutritional powerhouse wrapped in comfort food appeal. Mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health. They’re also one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Garlic provides natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties while supporting heart health. The addition of olive oil offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley contribute additional antioxidants and vitamins. By using plant-based cream, this recipe remains cholesterol-free while still delivering that luxurious, creamy texture everyone loves. This dish is low in calories yet incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for those seeking wholesome, plant-based meals that don’t compromise on flavor.