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Creamy Morel Mushroom Pasta with Crispy Shallots and Fresh Thyme

creamy morel mushroom pasta - featured image

A cozy and elegant pasta dish featuring earthy morel mushrooms in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy shallots and fresh thyme. Perfect for a quick gourmet meal that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 3 medium shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gently clean 8 oz (225 g) fresh morels by brushing off dirt (avoid soaking). Slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  3. In a cold, dry skillet, add 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter and the sliced shallots. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Remove shallots with a slotted spoon to paper towels.
  4. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil and the sliced morels. Cook over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Lower heat to medium, pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, and stir in 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
  7. Stir in ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp lemon juice. Toss to combine.
  8. Plate the pasta and sprinkle crispy shallots on top. Garnish with extra thyme sprigs if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not soak fresh morels; brush or rinse quickly and pat dry to preserve texture. Cook shallots slowly over low heat to achieve perfect crispness and avoid burning. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Be gentle when tossing pasta with sauce to keep mushrooms intact. Lemon juice brightens the sauce at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: morel mushroom pasta, creamy pasta, crispy shallots, fresh thyme, easy pasta recipe, mushroom pasta, vegetarian pasta, gourmet pasta