One-Pot Pasta with Mushrooms and Thyme

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

A simple weeknight dinner where pasta cooks in a rich, herb-infused sauce with earthy mushrooms and fresh thyme. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until mushrooms release their liquid and begin to brown.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup vegetable broth, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Add 8 oz spaghetti and stir to submerge. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Pasta with Mushrooms and 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 One-Pot Pasta with Mushrooms and 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Pasta with Mushrooms and 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 One-Pot Pasta with Mushrooms and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with One-Pot Pasta with Mushrooms and Thyme?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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