Orecchiette Mushroom Thyme Sauce (Recipe for Printing)

Orecchiette paired with creamy mushroom thyme sauce and bacon for a cozy meal everyone will love.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 16 ounces orecchiette pasta

→ Protein

02 - 6 slices thick-cut bacon

→ Vegetables

03 - 16 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
04 - 1.5 teaspoons minced garlic

→ Dairy

05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
06 - 1 cup half-and-half
07 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Thickener

08 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch

→ Seasonings

09 - 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme

# How to Make It:

01 - Add unsalted butter and sliced mushrooms to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes without stirring.
02 - Turn mushrooms, add minced garlic, and continue to sauté for an additional 3 to 4 minutes without stirring.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and half-and-half until smooth.
04 - Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet along with milk, crumbled cooked bacon, kosher salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir until thoroughly combined.
05 - Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
06 - Incorporate cooked orecchiette into the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the mushroom thyme sauce.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Allow mushrooms to brown undisturbed for best flavor development.