Creamy Mushroom Spätzle with Fresh Herbs and Garlic Butter

When it comes to comforting, soul-satisfying dishes, few can rival the rich, earthy flavor of mushrooms paired with the buttery goodness of garlic. Add in the uniquely textured spätzle, a traditional German egg noodle, and you’ve got a dish that’s pure indulgence. Creamy Mushroom Spätzle with Fresh Herbs and Garlic Butter is a mouthwatering combination that takes a classic European recipe to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a weeknight dinner, or simply craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Mushroom Spätzle

Creamy Mushroom Spätzle with Fresh Herbs and Garlic Butter is the epitome of comfort food. The spätzle, soft yet firm, soaks up the creamy mushroom sauce, creating a perfect marriage of flavors and textures. The garlic butter infuses the entire dish with an irresistible aroma, while the fresh herbs add a burst of freshness and color. This dish is perfect for anyone who enjoys hearty, flavorful meals without the complexity. Additionally, it’s flexible—easily adaptable for vegetarians or anyone looking to add their favorite variations. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or as a main dish for guests, this creamy spätzle will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

To make Creamy Mushroom Spätzle with Fresh Herbs and Garlic Butter, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the spätzle:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup water (more if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the mushroom sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound mushrooms (such as cremini, button, or a mix), sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
• And for the garlic butter and herbs:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or rosemary for a stronger flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Necessary Tools for Creamy Mushroom Spätzle

To prepare this dish, you will need the following tools:

• A large mixing bowl for the spätzle dough
• A pot or Dutch oven for cooking the spätzle
• A large skillet for making the mushroom sauce
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• A slotted spoon or spider for transferring the spätzle
• A knife and cutting board for slicing the mushrooms and chopping herbs
• A small saucepan for melting the garlic butter

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

While this recipe is delicious as is, it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some suggestions for swaps and additions:

• Mushrooms: If you prefer a more delicate flavor, you can use shiitake or portobello mushrooms. Additionally, mixing different types of mushrooms adds a rich depth to the dish.
• Herbs: If you’re out of thyme, rosemary, or chives, basil or sage would also work wonderfully in the garlic butter sauce.
• Cream alternatives: If you want to make the dish lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a plant-based cream (such as coconut cream) for a dairy-free version.
• Noodles: If you don’t have spätzle, you can substitute with egg noodles or even gnocchi. However, spätzle offers a unique texture that is worth trying if you can!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spätzle Dough
Start by mixing the flour, eggs, salt, and water in a large bowl. Stir the ingredients until a thick, sticky dough forms. You may need to add a little more water if the dough feels too dry. Once the dough is smooth but firm, cover it with a towel and set it aside for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Spätzle
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. To form the spätzle, use a spätzle maker or a colander with large holes. Place the dough in the colander, then use a spatula to press it through the holes into the boiling water. The dough will form small, pillowy noodles.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Once the mushrooms are cooked, pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine the Spätzle and Sauce
Add the cooked spätzle into the mushroom sauce, stirring gently to combine. Let the spätzle absorb the sauce for a few minutes, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy mushroom goodness.

Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Butter and Herbs
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the fresh herbs and cook for another minute.

Pro Tips for Success of Creamy Mushroom Spätzle

• Make sure to cook the spätzle in batches so that each noodle cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
• Don’t skip the resting time for the dough—it helps the spätzle achieve the perfect texture.
• If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a bit more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms for a unique flavor profile. Wild mushrooms can offer an earthy depth that complements the garlic butter beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Mushroom Spätzle can be served as a main course, but it also pairs wonderfully as a side dish with roasted meats or grilled vegetables. To make it a more substantial meal, consider topping the dish with a poached egg, which adds richness and texture. Additionally, serving it with a side of mixed greens or a light salad can balance the richness of the spätzle.

If you’re in the mood for another indulgent breakfast, try this French Toast Casserole from SweetRiching, a deliciously easy way to enjoy a classic breakfast favorite. Check it out here.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Mushroom Spätzle

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutritional Information

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 4g

FAQs – Creamy Mushroom Spätzle

1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a gluten-free pasta if you’re not making your own spätzle.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the spätzle and mushroom sauce ahead of time. Store each separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   While the spätzle can be frozen, the sauce may lose its creaminess. If freezing, store the spätzle and sauce separately and reheat together.
4. Is this recipe vegetarian?
   Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, but if you’d like, you can add protein such as grilled chicken or tofu.
5. How do I make the spätzle if I don’t have a spätzle maker?
   You can use a colander with large holes or a slotted spoon to push the dough through, creating the characteristic small dumplings.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Spätzle with Fresh Herbs and Garlic Butter is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines creamy textures, fresh flavors, and earthy mushrooms. Whether you enjoy it on a cozy evening at home or serve it at a dinner party, this recipe will surely impress. Don’t forget to play around with different herbs and mushrooms to make it your own!

For another delicious variation, check out this recipe for Spätzle with Mushrooms in Cream Sauce from The Spruce Eats, offering a rich and creamy take on this classic dish. Find the full recipe here.