Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Fresh Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Al dente pasta tossed in a sauce of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, cream, and fresh thyme for a comforting vegetarian meal. This italian-inspired summer cookout (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 560 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 560 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 11 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 6-7 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and edges turn golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, simmering for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with sauce along with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Fresh Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Fresh Thyme?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Fresh Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Fresh Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Fresh Thyme vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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