Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve come to the right place! This Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is one of those recipes that has a special spot in my heart. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and simple, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The earthy flavors of mushrooms combined with fragrant thyme create a delightful sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Trust me; your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. It’s quick to whip up and features wholesome ingredients that are both delicious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is short.
• Flavorful comfort food: The creamy sauce with mushrooms and thyme brings hearty flavors that everyone will enjoy.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it a great choice for family dinners.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply toss it with freshly cooked orecchiette when you’re ready to eat.
• Versatile ingredients: You can easily tweak this recipe based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! You might already have many of these in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this delicious Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce.

For the Pasta

• 16 oz. orecchiette pasta

For the Sauce

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon (or use a plant-based alternative)
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 16 oz. button mushrooms (sliced)
• 1½ tsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup half-and-half (or non-dairy substitute)
• 1 cup milk (or non-dairy substitute)
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp minced fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you want to mix things up or cater to specific tastes, here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative if you’re looking for something lighter or vegetarian.
• Add some greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of color and nutrition.
• Change up the mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for deeper flavors.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick if you enjoy some heat in your dishes.

How to Make Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Using a large skillet, cook your thick-cut bacon until crispy. This step adds fantastic flavor to your sauce! Once done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Remember not to discard all the bacon fat—just leave about 2 teaspoons in the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Orecchiette

While the bacon is cooking, prepare your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. This timing allows everything else to come together seamlessly!

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms

In the same skillet with leftover bacon fat, add butter and sliced mushrooms over medium heat. Sauté them without stirring for about 3-4 minutes so they get nice and golden. Flip them over, add minced garlic, and continue sautéing another 3-4 minutes. This brings out their rich flavor!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and half-and-half until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with milk, crumbled cooked bacon, salt, pepper, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Simmer Until Thickened

Let your mixture simmer over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally for about 6-8 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening up beautifully! This step ensures all those wonderful flavors meld together perfectly.

Step 6: Combine with Orecchiette

Finally, add your cooked orecchiette into the skillet. Toss everything gently until well combined so every piece of pasta is coated in that luscious mushroom thyme sauce.

And there you have it—a delicious bowl of Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm and let each bite take you on a flavorful journey. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce

With just a few simple tweaks, you can elevate your Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce to restaurant-worthy status!

• Prep your ingredients ahead: Having everything chopped and measured before you start cooking saves time and ensures a smoother cooking process.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme offers a vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t match. If possible, always opt for fresh to enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.
• Don’t rush the mushrooms: Sautéing the mushrooms without stirring initially allows them to develop a beautiful golden color, which adds depth to the sauce.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to substitute part of the half-and-half with additional milk. This gives you control over the richness while maintaining flavor.
• Cheese alternatives: For those who want to enjoy this dish without Parmesan, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.

How to Serve Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce

Presenting your Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce beautifully can make all the difference at your dinner table! Here are some ideas to enhance its appeal.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley or basil: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and freshness, making the dish visually appealing and flavorful.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: A dash of freshly ground pepper on top enhances the dish’s flavors and provides an aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce. The buttery, garlicky flavors complement the creamy pasta wonderfully.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and nutrition while providing a delicious crunch alongside your pasta.
• Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious side is not only easy to prepare but also adds texture and pairs well with creamy dishes.

Enjoy making this delightful meal, and remember that cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the pasta completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
• Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I make Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils for a hearty flavor without meat.

How do I keep my Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce creamy?

To maintain creaminess, make sure to whisk the cornstarch thoroughly and add enough liquid when reheating. A little extra half-and-half can do wonders!

What type of mushrooms works best for Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce?

While button mushrooms are a great choice, feel free to experiment with other varieties like cremini or shiitake for added depth of flavor.

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh in this recipe?

Yes! If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, you can use dried thyme. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce as much as I do! It’s a cozy dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying on your own after a long day. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own—happy cooking!