Name: Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 slices thick-cut bacon; 16 oz. orecchiette pasta; 1 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 cup milk; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 16 oz. button mushrooms, sliced; 1½ tsp minced garlic; 2 tsp minced fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme); 1 Tbsp cornstarch; ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper

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Introduction

Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is a comforting pasta dish that combines crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and fresh thyme in a creamy sauce. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.

A white bowl filled with orecchiette pasta mixed with creamy sauce, slices of brown mushrooms, small crispy pieces of browned bacon, and fresh green thyme leaves scattered on top. The pasta pieces are small, round, and light yellow, with the mushrooms adding a soft texture and the bacon giving a crunchy, reddish-brown contrast. The thyme adds a fresh green touch throughout. In the background, there is another similar white bowl with the same dish, and the surface underneath is a white marbled texture with a checkered orange and green cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Using a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and drain most of the excess bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 2 teaspoons for flavor.
Step 2: Meanwhile, cook the orecchiette pasta in boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Add butter and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and place over medium heat. Sauté the mushrooms for 3 to 4 minutes without stirring, then flip them over.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the mushrooms and continue sautéing for another 3 to 4 minutes without stirring.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and half-and-half until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, then add the milk, crumbled cooked bacon, salt, pepper, thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully combined.
Step 6: Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes or until it thickens.
Step 7: Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet and toss gently until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use shiitake or cremini mushrooms instead of button mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with orecchiette pasta mixed with sliced mushrooms and small pieces of browned bacon, all coated in a light sauce that gives a shiny texture. The pasta is pale yellow and round-shaped, with the mushrooms appearing dark brown and soft, sitting evenly throughout. Sprigs of fresh green thyme are scattered on top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork on the right side and blurred background showing another white bowl with more pasta. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute orecchiette with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or farfalle. The sauce clings well to these shapes too.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace the half-and-half and milk with dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.