Save Experience the ultimate comfort food with this One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Thyme. Featuring earthy mushrooms sautéed with garlic and fresh thyme, this dish is simmered in a velvety cream sauce and tossed with tender pappardelle, then finished with a generous dusting of Parmesan for a meal that is both comforting and elegant.
Save This Italian-inspired dish simplifies gourmet cooking by utilizing a one-pot method. As the pappardelle simmers directly in the vegetable broth and aromatics, it releases starches that naturally thicken the sauce, ensuring every strand of pasta is perfectly coated in flavor.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) pappardelle
- Mushrooms & Aromatics: 1.5 lb (680 g) mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, button), sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (optional); 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Fresh thyme sprigs; Extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2
- Add mushrooms and sauté until they release their juices and start to brown, 6–8 minutes.
- Step 3
- Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Pour in the white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 5
- Add pappardelle, vegetable broth, and a big pinch of salt. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged.
- Step 6
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, 10–12 minutes.
- Step 7
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh thyme.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the best results, use a large deep skillet or Dutch oven and a wooden spoon for stirring. For a gourmet touch, add a splash of truffle oil just before serving. Each serving provides approximately 540 calories, with 16g of protein and 23g of total fat.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If pappardelle is unavailable, you can substitute it with tagliatelle or fettuccine. For extra nutrients, stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the final 2 minutes of cooking. This recipe contains dairy and gluten; for dietary restrictions, use gluten-free pasta and plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish the finished dish with extra Parmesan and fresh thyme sprigs. To elevate the meal, pair it with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, which complements the rich, creamy mushroom sauce beautifully.
Save This One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Thyme is a testament to how simple ingredients like fresh mushrooms and garlic can create a truly sophisticated meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, it offers elegance and comfort in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of mushrooms work best?
A mix of cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms gives a rich, earthy flavor and varied texture.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, tagliatelle or fettuccine are excellent alternatives that hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Is white wine necessary in the sauce?
White wine adds depth but is optional; vegetable broth alone still provides great flavor.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with plant-based cream and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- → What is the best way to garnish this pasta?
Fresh thyme sprigs and extra grated Parmesan enhance aroma and taste beautifully.
- → Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
A handful of fresh spinach added near the end of cooking adds color and nutrition.