Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce features tender orecchiette pasta tossed in a rich, savory sauce made with sautéed mushrooms, fragrant thyme, garlic, and a splash of cream. Elegant, earthy, and easy to prepare—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Earthy elegance – mushrooms and thyme create a flavor-packed sauce
Creamy, comforting texture – without being too heavy
One-pan simplicity – sauté sauce and cook pasta with minimal cleanup
Versatile – add protein or greens to elevate the dish

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz orecchiette pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
12 oz mixed mushrooms (cremini, button, shiitake), sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot or ½ onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
½ cup dry white wine or broth
¾ cup heavy cream or half‑and‑half
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: chopped parsley, lemon zest, red pepper flakes

directions

Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orecchiette according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Sauté mushrooms
While pasta cooks, heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2 minutes to allow browning, then stir and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden. Remove mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.
Sauté aromatics
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add shallot (or onion) and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Deglaze
Pour in white wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer until reduced by half, about 2–3 minutes.
Make the sauce
Stir in cream, thyme, and cooked mushrooms. Simmer gently until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
Combine pasta & sauce
Add drained orecchiette and a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss to coat well, adding more pasta water as needed for a silky consistency.
Serve
Divide between bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes, as desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Green boost: Mix in baby spinach, peas, or kale at the end for added color and nutrients
Cheese swap: Use Gruyère, fontina, or goat cheese instead of Parmesan
Vegan twist: Use plant-based cream, vegan cheese, and olive oil instead of butter
Spicy option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or top with spicy chili oil

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth
Freezer: Not recommended—cream-based sauces may split when frozen and thawed

Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes—short shapes like penne, farfalle, or rigatoni work just as well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—use your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify your broth or wine is GF.

Is there a non-dairy option?

Yes—substitute plant-based cream or full-fat coconut milk, and use vegan cheese.

How do I get silky sauce?

Reserve pasta water and stir it in—its starch helps bind the sauce.

Can I skip the wine?

Yes—substitute with extra broth or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

What mushrooms work best?

Any combination of mushrooms works—cremini, shiitake, oyster, and porcini are all delicious.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat with pasta—add pasta water to refresh the sauce.

Should I brown the mushrooms well?

Yes—allowing them to caramelize adds deep flavor to the dish.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?

Avoid high heat when adding cream; warm gently and stir frequently.

What pairs well with this dish?

Pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is an elegant yet accessible dish that brings together earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and creamy indulgence. Balanced, flavorful, and quick to prepare—it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or company-ready meal. Enjoy every silky, savory bite!