Description
Cozy, creamy, and loaded with umami—this Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is a weeknight dinner that feels like a little escape to Italy. Earthy mushrooms, fresh thyme, and a silky cream sauce cling to every bite of orecchiette pasta. Elegant, comforting, and oh-so easy!
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta Â
- 1 tbsp olive oil Â
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter)Â Â
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Â
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped Â
- 16 oz mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster, etc.), sliced Â
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)Â Â
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional) Â
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) Â
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional) Â
- Salt and black pepper, to taste Â
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orecchiette until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic and shallot for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add mushrooms. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 minutes, then stir. Cook until golden, about 5–6 more minutes.
4. Stir in thyme, then deglaze with white wine (if using), simmering for 2–3 minutes until reduced.
5. Lower heat, pour in cream, and stir in Parmesan. Add pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to your liking.
6. Toss in the orecchiette and coat well with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
– Add spinach or arugula for a touch of green.
– Make it vegan with plant-based butter, cream, and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
– Orecchiette can be swapped with shells or cavatelli.
– Always reserve pasta water—it’s the secret to a silky sauce!
– For a gourmet twist, add a drizzle of truffle oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner, Main
- Method: Stovetop, Sauté
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg