Tender orecchiette pasta cloaked in a velvety mushroom and thyme sauce, this dish is a true celebration of comfort and earthy flavor. The rich, creamy base highlights the savory depth of mushrooms while fresh thyme adds a fragrant, herbal lift. Perfect for an elegant yet cozy dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy mushroom thyme orecchiette combines simplicity and sophistication in one dish. The sauce is built from everyday ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality flavor. It’s easily adaptable for vegetarian or plant-based diets and comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and weekend indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz orecchiette pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Extra thyme and Parmesan for garnish

Directions

1. Cook orecchiette pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
5. Deglaze the pan with white wine or vegetable broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Pour in the remaining broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the cream and continue to simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
8. Stir in Parmesan if using, season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme and extra grated cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings. The total time required is approximately 35 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it a quick yet indulgent option for dinner.

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and cream, and omit Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
• Add Greens: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for added nutrition.
• Nutmeg Twist: Add a small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the sauce for a warm, subtle depth.
• Extra Umami: Mix in a teaspoon of miso paste or a splash of soy sauce to deepen the savory flavor.
• Truffle Finish: Drizzle with truffle oil before serving for a luxurious touch.
• Mixed Mushrooms: Use a variety of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, or chanterelle for more complex flavor.
• Pasta Swap: Substitute orecchiette with other pasta shapes like farfalle, fusilli, or rigatoni.
• No Cream Option: Use full-fat coconut milk or simply increase the broth and reduce it further for a dairy-free, creamy texture.
• Cheese Lovers: Add a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese to enrich the sauce.
• Spiced Variant: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid boiling.
• Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but the mushroom sauce can be frozen without the pasta. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

FAQs

What is orecchiette pasta?

Orecchiette is a small, ear-shaped pasta from southern Italy. Its shape holds sauce well, making it ideal for creamy or chunky preparations.

Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Yes, you can use any variety of mushrooms such as white button, portobello, shiitake, or a wild mushroom blend.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, the dish is vegetarian as long as the Parmesan used is free from animal rennet.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Substitute the butter and cream with vegan alternatives, and use plant-based cheese or omit it entirely.

What if I don’t have white wine?

You can use extra vegetable broth instead of white wine. The dish will still be flavorful.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, grilled chicken, seared tofu, or sautéed tempeh would be excellent additions.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes or add a bit more flour at the sautéing stage.

Is it okay to prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy, earthy flavors of the pasta.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes. You can use full-fat milk or a plant-based milk with a splash of olive oil or a bit of blended cashew cream.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Thyme Orecchiette is a refined yet comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and rich in flavor. With its earthy mushrooms, fragrant thyme, and luxurious sauce, it offers a well-balanced meal suitable for any season. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

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