Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish that feels both indulgent and refined. The little “ear-shaped” pasta holds onto a velvety, earthy sauce that’s bursting with rich mushroom flavor and balanced by the fragrant warmth of fresh thyme.
This recipe is simple to make but offers restaurant-quality flavors, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create something unforgettable.
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces of orecchiette pasta: Perfect for catching every bit of creamy sauce.
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and ensures a velvety sauce.
- 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced: Earthy, tender, and full of umami flavor.
- 3 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped: Crisp, smoky, and deeply flavorful.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the right consistency.
- 1 cup half-and-half: Creamy and indulgent without being too heavy.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the sauce light and smooth.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Rich, tangy, and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Delivers a subtle, aromatic woodiness to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild, spicy kick.
Note: This recipe yields about 4 servings, perfect for sharing or indulging.
Variations to Try
Elevate or customize this dish to suit your taste!
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the bacon or substitute it with vegetarian sausage. Add sautéed spinach for extra greens.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap half-and-half and milk with coconut milk or almond cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese.
- Add Spice: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Protein Boost: Crispy pancetta or cooked Italian sausage work wonderfully in place of bacon.
Cooking Time Breakdown
Short on time but craving something delicious? This recipe is ready in no time!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Make sure these tools are handy for a hassle-free cooking experience.
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta.
- Skillet: Perfect for crisping bacon and sautéing mushrooms.
- Mixing bowl: For whisking the creamy sauce base.
- Tongs: Helps coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
How to Make Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce?
Crafting this creamy, aromatic dish is straightforward and rewarding.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil orecchiette in a large pot of salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove it with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 teaspoons of bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Melt butter in the skillet with the bacon grease over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Stir and sauté for another 3 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, infusing the mushrooms with aromatic depth.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Whisk cornstarch with half-and-half in a mixing bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, followed by the milk, Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked orecchiette and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is coated evenly with the luscious sauce. Adjust the thickness of the sauce with the reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with more Parmesan and thyme for a finishing touch.
Tips for Pasta Perfection
Follow these tips to make sure your dish is flawless every time!
- Don’t Skip the Bacon Grease: It adds incredible depth and richness to the sauce.
- Fresh Thyme is Best: Use fresh thyme for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor, but if using dried, cut the measurement in half.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps adjust the sauce texture if it becomes too thick.
How to Serve Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce?
Serve Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce as a comforting main dish or a decadent side. Plate it in shallow bowls for an elegant presentation. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprig of thyme, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
Pair it with buttery garlic bread, a bright green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Pair this dish with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for a sophisticated dinner experience to complement the earthy, creamy flavors.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you’re enjoying in every serving of this indulgent pasta dish.
- Calories: 584 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fat: 28g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish is excellent for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to restore the creamy texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may become grainy when thawed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
From its rich, creamy sauce to its earthy thyme-infused flavors, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: A gourmet meal ready in just 30 minutes.
- Perfect Flavor Pairing: The rustic mushrooms and fragrant thyme elevate this pasta.
- Customizable: Adapt it to suit dietary needs or spice it up.
- Restaurant Quality: Impress your guests with minimal effort.
Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is the ultimate cozy dish that feels special for any occasion. Once you’ve tasted the creamy, savory goodness, you’ll be adding this recipe to your weekly meal rotation!
Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces of orecchiette pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces button mushrooms sliced
- 3 strips thick-cut bacon chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil orecchiette in a large pot of salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove it with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 teaspoons of bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.
- Melt butter in the skillet with the bacon grease over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Stir and sauté for another 3 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, infusing the mushrooms with aromatic depth.
- Whisk cornstarch with half-and-half in a mixing bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, followed by the milk, Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked orecchiette and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is coated evenly with the luscious sauce. Adjust the thickness of the sauce with the reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with more Parmesan and thyme for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Bacon Grease: Don’t skip using the bacon grease—it adds incredible depth to the sauce.
- Fresh Thyme: Use fresh thyme for the best flavor. If using dried thyme, reduce the amount by half.
- Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
