Name: Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Thyme
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine or your choice); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 16 oz (450g) mushrooms, sliced (white, cremini or mixed); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine (or chicken/vegetable broth); 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Thyme Recipe

It comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy evening.
The mushrooms bring deep savory (“umami”) flavour while being surprisingly quick to cook.
The combination of garlic, thyme, white wine, heavy cream and parmesan makes the sauce rich and flavour‑packed.
You can customise it easily — swap in different pasta shapes, use more mushrooms, or even add greens or protein.
It’s a dish that feels a little indulgent but is still made from scratch and straightforward.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz pasta
1 lb mushrooms
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried thyme
2 cloves garlic
½ cup white wine
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper ‑ be generous
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra to serve)
Fresh thyme for garnish

Directions

Slice the mushrooms.
Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large frying pan or skillet.
Add the mushrooms, dried thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown on both sides, then add the garlic and stir until aromatic.
Remove the mushrooms to a bowl. Add the white wine to the now‑empty pan and let it reduce by at least half.
Return the mushrooms to the pan, then add the fresh thyme leaves, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce thicken gently.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta one minute less than the package instructions, reserving a cup of pasta cooking water. Then drain the pasta.
Add the drained pasta and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water into the sauce. Stir well, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning.
Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh thyme garnish.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings
Prep time: approximately 5 minutes
Cook time: approximately 15 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes

Variations

Use any pasta shape you prefer: long noodles like spaghetti or linguine, or short pasta like rotini.
If you don’t have fresh thyme, substitute with an additional ½ tsp dried thyme.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk with a cornstarch slurry instead of heavy cream.
Add extra veggies like spinach, asparagus, or peas for more color and nutrition.
Add cooked chicken, steak strips, or crispy bacon for a heartier, meat-based version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between rounds and adding a little liquid if needed.

FAQs

What types of mushrooms work best?

Cremini (baby bellas) or Swiss browns are ideal for their rich flavor, but plain white mushrooms can also be used.

Can I skip the white wine in the sauce?

Yes, substitute with vegetable broth or water if you prefer not to use alcohol.

How can I make this dish gluten‑free?

Use a gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

Let it simmer longer to thicken or add pasta water or cream to loosen it up.

Can I make this dairy‑free or vegan?

Yes, use a dairy-free cream alternative and vegan Parmesan, or omit the cheese altogether.

Will the flavour still be good if I use fewer mushrooms?

Yes, though using fewer mushrooms will reduce the overall savory depth and texture.

Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes, add cooked chicken, steak, or bacon during the final step of cooking for a meat-based version.

Is this recipe good for meal‑prep?

Yes, it stores and reheats well. Just be sure to add a splash of liquid when reheating.

What should I serve it with?

Pair with a green salad and garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely. Use any pasta you like — the sauce works well with both long and short pasta shapes.

Conclusion

This creamy mushroom pasta with thyme is a deliciously simple yet elegant dish, combining rich, savory flavors with a creamy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you keep it vegetarian or mix in your favorite proteins, it’s a fast, flexible, and comforting dinner you’ll want to make again and again.