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Creamy Morel Mushroom Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Fresh Thyme and Parmesan

creamy morel mushroom pasta - featured image

A rich and comforting creamy morel mushroom pasta with fresh thyme and Parmesan, perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned gently
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, tagliatelle, or any long pasta)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Set pasta aside.
  2. Gently rinse fresh morels under cold water to remove grit. Pat dry with paper towels and slice lengthwise if large.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent but not browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the sliced morels to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their earthy aroma and become golden and slightly caramelized on the edges.
  5. Stir in 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves, cooking for an additional minute to release their fragrance.
  6. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  8. Toss the cooked pasta gently into the skillet with the sauce until well coated. Warm together for 1-2 minutes over low heat, making sure everything is evenly mixed and heated through.
  9. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few thyme leaves for garnish. Add fresh cracked pepper on top if desired.

Notes

Avoid soaking morels as they absorb water like sponges. Use fresh thyme for best flavor. Do not overheat cream to prevent curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: morel mushroom pasta, creamy mushroom pasta, fresh thyme pasta, Parmesan pasta, easy mushroom recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food