Creamy Mushroom Penne with Garlic and Thyme

Creamy Mushroom Penne with Garlic and Thyme is the perfect fusion of rustic simplicity and gourmet comfort. This dish highlights the earthy depth of mushrooms, the aromatic charm of fresh thyme, and the richness of cream — all coating perfectly al dente penne pasta. Each bite is luxuriously creamy yet light, infused with garlicky undertones and fragrant herbs.

It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together quickly, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and dinner parties. The combination of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and thyme in a velvety cream sauce is pure magic — a dish that smells heavenly, tastes divine, and looks effortlessly elegant.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients. The mushrooms soak up the creamy garlic-thyme sauce beautifully, creating a depth of umami flavor that’s both hearty and comforting.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can serve it as a vegetarian main course, or pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this dish because:

• It’s comforting yet elegant — perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining.
• Ready in 30 minutes, yet tastes like it’s been simmered for hours.
• The mushroom, garlic, and thyme trio creates layers of irresistible flavor.
• It’s vegetarian-friendly, satisfying, and wholesome.

If you love creamy pastas but crave something with depth and sophistication, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings

• Serves 4 people

Calories (per serving)

• Approximately 520 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course / Comfort Food / Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 lb (450 g) mushrooms (cremini, button, or mixed wild), sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the penne until al dente.
2. Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in butter and olive oil.
3. Add cream, broth, and thyme to make the sauce.
4. Toss pasta in the sauce with Parmesan.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add penne and cook until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions).
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

• Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Pour in the vegetable broth and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.
• Add the heavy cream and thyme.
• Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Add cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
• Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan.
• Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Mushroom Penne with Garlic and Thyme hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprig of fresh thyme.

Pair it with:

• A crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
• Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables
• A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

It’s elegant enough for a date night yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms — this ensures proper browning and prevents sogginess.
• Use a mix of mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster, porcini) for richer flavor.
• Fresh thyme gives a more vibrant aroma than dried, so use it if possible.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a hint of brightness.
• Stirring in a tablespoon of cream cheese can make the sauce even silkier.

Recipe Variations

1. Truffle Mushroom Penne: Add a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet twist.
2. Chicken Mushroom Penne: Add grilled or shredded chicken for extra protein.
3. Vegan Version: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream, and vegan Parmesan.
4. Spinach & Mushroom Penne: Stir in a handful of baby spinach during the last minute of cooking for color and nutrition.
5. Spicy Version: Add red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Store cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Fine grater (for Parmesan)
• Strainer or colander

FAQ

Q1: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich. Add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken if needed.

Q2: What type of mushrooms work best?
Cremini, baby bella, and shiitake give the best earthy flavor, but button mushrooms work fine too.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely — use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.

Q4: How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
Add a small knob of butter and a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone just before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Penne with Garlic and Thyme is a dish that perfectly balances comfort and sophistication. With its luscious cream sauce, aromatic herbs, and the irresistible umami of mushrooms, it’s a meal that delights both the senses and the soul.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or to impress guests, this recipe delivers elegance in every bite — simple ingredients, elevated flavor, and timeless appeal.

A true must-have in every pasta lover’s collection.