Rich, smooth, and packed with umami flavor, this Creamy Mushroom Sauce is perfect over steak, chicken, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Made with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and cream, it’s an easy way to elevate any dish into something restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 10 oz (300 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp thyme (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Step-by-step instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned and their moisture evaporates.
- Add diced onion and garlic; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Reduce the heat, add heavy cream, and stir until the sauce thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir in Parmesan if desired.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Tips for Perfect Creamy Mushroom Sauce
✅ Use a mix of mushrooms: Combining cremini, shiitake, or portobello adds depth of flavor.
✅ Let mushrooms brown properly: Don’t stir too much, allow them to caramelize for the best flavor.
✅ Avoid curdling: Lower the heat before adding cream and never boil the sauce.
✅ Add umami: A splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard deepens the savory taste.
✅ For thicker sauce: Simmer longer or stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or cornstarch slurry.
❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What cream is best for mushroom sauce?
Heavy cream works best because it thickens naturally and gives a luxurious texture. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil and replace cream with full-fat coconut milk or oat cream. The texture will stay rich and smooth.
3. How do you make mushroom sauce more flavorful?
Add depth by sautéing the mushrooms until golden, using broth instead of water, and finishing with Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice, or fresh herbs.
4. What can I serve with creamy mushroom sauce?
It’s perfect over steak, chicken, pork chops, mashed potatoes, or pasta. It also works beautifully with roasted vegetables.
5. Can I make mushroom sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency.
Calories: ~200 per serving
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Serves: 4
