Sautéed Mushroom Pasta with Garlic and Thyme
Elegant pasta tossed with earthy mushrooms and aromatic garlic, finished with fresh thyme for a restaurant-quality meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, butter, mushrooms for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 2 tbsp pasta water.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 cup sliced mushrooms, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and tender.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp dried thyme to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in drained spaghetti, 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Mushroom Pasta with Garlic 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 Sautéed Mushroom Pasta with Garlic 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 Sautéed Mushroom Pasta with Garlic 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 Sautéed Mushroom Pasta with Garlic and 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Mushroom Pasta with Garlic 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved the simplicity and flavor. Made it for dinner tonight and it was a hit.
- ★★★★★
This was a perfect weeknight meal! The garlic and thyme really elevated the mushrooms.
- ★★★★★
The mushrooms were cooked to perfection, and the pasta was just right. Highly recommend.
