1. Clean and Prep the Mushrooms
Begin by gently rinsing the baby bella mushrooms under cool water. Be careful not to soak them, as mushrooms are like sponges and can absorb water quickly, affecting their texture when cooked. After rinsing, pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step ensures they’ll brown beautifully in the pan.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, letting the butter melt completely and mix with the oil. Once the skillet is hot and the butter starts to bubble slightly, add the mushrooms.
Sauté the mushrooms for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let them sit undisturbed for a minute or two at a time to develop a nice golden sear. As they cook, the mushrooms will release their moisture and then reabsorb it, becoming tender and full of flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Build the Cream Sauce
Once the mushrooms are browned and tender, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
Next, pour in the heavy cream, and add the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, onion powder, and dried thyme. Stir continuously until the cheeses begin to melt and blend into the cream, creating a smooth and luscious sauce.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the sauce will thicken to a beautiful, creamy consistency that clings to the mushrooms.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened and the mushrooms are fully coated, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.
Serve these creamy garlic Parmesan mushrooms hot as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a topping over steak, chicken, baked potatoes, or pasta.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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As a side dish: Pair with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon.
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As a topping: Spoon over a baked potato or a juicy burger for extra indulgence.
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As an appetizer: Serve with toasted baguette slices or garlic bread for a warm starter.
🌿 Tips & Variations
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Use a mix of mushrooms for a more complex flavor—cremini, shiitake, or even wild mushrooms work wonderfully.
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Add a splash of white wine right after sautéing the garlic for a deeper, more aromatic sauce.
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Want it spicy? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
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Make it low-carb: This dish is naturally keto-friendly and low in carbs!