Name: Orecchiette Mushroom Thyme Sauce: A Deliciously Simple Recipe for Pasta Lovers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces orecchiette pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced; 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme); ½ cup vegetable broth; ½ cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

Enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce, featuring a savory mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms, fresh thyme, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces orecchiette pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
½ cup vegetable broth
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions (9-11 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally.
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Set aside without rinsing.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Sprinkle in the thyme and stir for 1 minute.
Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping the skillet to deglaze. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, simmering for another 3-5 minutes. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Plate the orecchiette in shallow bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes