Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture, about 8-10 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the thyme sprigs.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Toss to coat, adding a little pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A drizzle of olive oil is also a nice touch.
Notes
For best results, use a variety of mushrooms for a more complex flavor. If you don't have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be substituted, but use half the amount. The pasta water is crucial for achieving a creamy sauce, so don't skip this step! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
