Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce features pasta coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. The combination of mushrooms, thyme, and a touch of bacon creates a rich, comforting meal, perfect for a cozy evening. This dish uses orecchiette, a small, ear-shaped pasta that holds the sauce beautifully, making each bite a delight.

Full Recipe:

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

Directions

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain most of the excess bacon grease, leaving about 2 tsp for flavor.

2. Meanwhile, cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Add butter and sliced mushrooms to the skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes without stirring, then flip mushrooms and sauté for another 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

4. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and half-and-half together. Add the mixture to the skillet along with milk, crumbled bacon, salt, pepper, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 6-8 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

6. Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Value

• Calories: 584 kcal

• Total Fat: 32g

  • Saturated Fat: 12g

  • Trans Fat: 0g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 725mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 58g

  • Dietary Fiber: 3g

  • Sugars: 6g

• Protein: 21g

• Vitamin D: 1mcg

• Calcium: 295mg

• Iron: 2mg

• Potassium: 470mg

The Allure of Orecchiette Pasta

Orecchiette, an Italian word that means “little ears,” is a small, round, and concave pasta traditionally made in the Puglia region of Southern Italy. What makes orecchiette special is its ability to hold sauces well due to its shape. Each little “ear” captures just the right amount of sauce, creating a perfect bite every time. This pasta pairs wonderfully with both hearty and delicate sauces, making it a versatile ingredient in many recipes. When combined with the creamy, savory sauce in this dish, orecchiette becomes a vessel for a truly comforting experience.

In addition to its texture, orecchiette offers a slightly chewy bite that complements the richness of the mushroom thyme sauce. The pasta’s shape and structure work together with the sauce to deliver a fulfilling meal that balances both flavor and satisfaction. The combination of orecchiette and this flavorful sauce creates an elegant yet simple meal that can be enjoyed by anyone, from busy weeknight cooks to those looking for a flavorful weekend treat.

The Role of Mushrooms and Thyme

Mushrooms are a staple in many savory dishes, and in this recipe, their earthy flavor elevates the overall taste profile. Button mushrooms, the most commonly available type, have a mild taste that enhances the richness of the sauce without overpowering it. When sautéed, mushrooms release their natural moisture and develop a tender, meaty texture that provides both substance and depth to the dish.

Thyme, a fragrant herb commonly used in Mediterranean cooking, pairs perfectly with mushrooms. The slight woodiness of thyme complements the earthiness of the mushrooms, creating a savory balance. Whether fresh or dried, thyme adds an aromatic note to the sauce that enhances the overall flavor. The addition of minced garlic further intensifies the savory profile, creating a depth of flavor that’s comforting and satisfying.

The thyme and mushrooms together not only provide flavor but also texture and visual appeal. The mushrooms add a slight chewiness, while the thyme contributes an aromatic, fresh note that lightens the richness of the creamy sauce.

The Impact of Bacon in the Dish

Bacon, when used in cooking, imparts a smoky, salty richness that takes dishes to another level. In this recipe, bacon plays a critical role in enriching the sauce and balancing the creamy texture. As it crisps up in the pan, bacon releases its fat, which provides a depth of flavor that infuses the sauce, creating a savory base. When crumbled and added to the mixture, the bacon brings a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor with every bite.

The bacon’s saltiness works in harmony with the other ingredients, particularly the thyme and Parmesan, to create a well-rounded taste. The crispy bacon contrasts with the creamy sauce and the soft texture of the orecchiette, making each bite a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

The Creamy Mushroom Thyme Sauce

The sauce in this recipe is a beautiful balance of creaminess and savory goodness. Combining half-and-half and milk with cornstarch results in a rich, velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully. The addition of Parmesan cheese enhances the sauce’s depth and gives it a slight tanginess that contrasts well with the richness of the bacon and mushrooms.

Simmering the sauce over medium-low heat allows the flavors to meld together, creating a luscious, creamy coating that clings to the pasta and mushrooms. The sauce thickens over time, ensuring that each piece of orecchiette is enveloped in the creamy goodness. As the sauce reduces, the flavors intensify, allowing the thyme and garlic to come forward, creating a well-balanced and flavorful experience.

A Well-Balanced Meal

This dish is a well-rounded meal, offering a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. The pasta provides energy through its carbohydrates, while the bacon and Parmesan add protein and fats to make the dish more filling. Mushrooms offer fiber and nutrients, enhancing the dish’s healthfulness without compromising its flavor. The sauce provides a creamy texture, but it’s not overwhelmingly heavy, making it enjoyable without being overly indulgent.

With its combination of simple ingredients, this recipe delivers a meal that satisfies both hunger and taste. The mushrooms and bacon add complexity to the dish, while the creamy sauce ties everything together into a harmonious whole. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones or a quick weeknight meal when you crave something comforting and delicious.

Making It Your Own

While this recipe is delicious as written, there’s room for customization. For instance, if you’re looking to make it vegetarian, you could omit the bacon and instead use a plant-based alternative to add a smoky flavor, or you could sauté extra mushrooms to create more depth. You can also experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, to bring different flavors and textures to the dish.

For a slightly lighter version, you could substitute the half-and-half with a lower-fat option, such as skim milk or a plant-based milk like almond milk. This would slightly alter the richness of the sauce but still provide a satisfying result. Additionally, you could swap the orecchiette for another pasta shape if you prefer, although orecchiette is the ideal choice for this particular sauce.

Conclusion

Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is a recipe that brings together a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and ingredients, creating a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. The combination of tender orecchiette pasta, earthy mushrooms, fragrant thyme, and crispy bacon creates a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy sauce ties everything together, offering a luscious coating that’s sure to satisfy.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special weekend gathering, this dish is easy to prepare, yet sophisticated enough to impress. Its versatility allows for modifications based on personal preferences, making it a great go-to recipe for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal. With its balance of savory and creamy elements, Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce is a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.