Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce: A Comforting and Elegant Dish

Are you craving a dish that combines comfort with elegance? Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is the answer. This recipe brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the aromatic touch of thyme, and the delightful chewiness of orecchiette pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you can create this delectable pasta dish!

Cooking the Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Preparing the Mushroom Thyme Sauce

Ingredients and Preparation

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add Thyme and Wine: Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and cook for another minute. If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Combining Ingredients

1. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
2. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bringing It All Together

Final Steps

1. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked orecchiette pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips

Serve the Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce in warm bowls, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs and additional grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 450-550
• Protein: 12-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45-55 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams

Health Considerations

This dish is rich and comforting, making it a wonderful occasional indulgence. The mushrooms provide a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, while the pasta offers energy-boosting carbohydrates.

Customizing Your Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce

Flavor Variations

• Protein Addition: Add cooked chicken, pancetta, or sausage for extra protein.
• Vegetable Medley: Incorporate spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrients.
• Herb Twist: Substitute thyme with rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile.

Dietary Adjustments

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
• Low-Carb: Replace orecchiette with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb option.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Preparing in Advance

You can make the mushroom thyme sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh and combine it with the reheated sauce before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter version.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Try adding a splash of truffle oil, a pinch of nutmeg, or a handful of grated aged cheese like Pecorino Romano.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes to make this dish dairy-free.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A light to medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy mushroom sauce.

Conclusion

Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the fragrant touch of thyme and the creamy goodness of Parmesan. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting textures. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that’s both elegant and satisfying!

Yield: 6

Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce

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Are you craving a dish that combines comfort with elegance? Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is the answer. This recipe brings together the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the aromatic touch of thyme, and the delightful chewiness of orecchiette pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Let's dive into how you can create this delectable pasta dish!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 16 oz. orecchiette pasta
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 16 oz. button mushrooms sliced
• 1½ tsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup milk
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp minced fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Using a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel lined plate and drain most of the excess bacon grease from the skillet. (Tip: Leave ~2 tsp of grease in the skillet for flavor.)

• Meanwhile, cook orecchiette until al dente (according to package instructions). Once cooked, drain and set aside.

• Add butter and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and place over medium heat.

• Sauté for 3-4 minutes without stirring. Flip mushrooms over, add the garlic and continue sautéing for 3-4 more minutes without stirring.

• Using a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and half-and-half together. Add this mixture to the skillet along with milk, crumbled cooked bacon (from above), salt, pepper, thyme and Parmesan cheese; stir until well combined.

• Simmer mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.

• Add cooked orecchiette to skillet and toss until well combined.