Save A rich, velvety pasta dish featuring sautéed mushrooms and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with penne for a comforting one-skillet meal.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in my household for its simplicity and rich taste.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: 340 g (12 oz)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Cremini or button mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz), sliced
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: 100 g (3.5 oz), drained and sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Fresh baby spinach: 60 g (2 cups)
- Heavy cream: 240 ml (1 cup)
- Vegetable broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 60 g (½ cup)
- Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme): 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Red pepper flakes: Pinch (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves: torn, for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan: for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (½ cup) of cooking water then drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until golden and softened.
- Step 3:
- Add onion and cook for 2 minutes then stir in garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes more stirring occasionally.
- Step 5:
- Lower the heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and vegetable broth stirring to combine. Add Italian herbs salt pepper and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 7:
- Add the cooked penne and spinach to the skillet. Toss well to coat adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 8:
- Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Save This dish always brings my family together for a comforting meal we all enjoy.
Notes
Swap spinach for arugula or kale if desired. Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Large pot large skillet colander wooden spoon or spatula chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream Parmesan) and gluten (pasta). For gluten-free or dairy-free needs use appropriate substitutes and check product labels.
Save This creamy penne recipe is perfect for a quick comforting dinner any night of the week.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta instead?
Yes, gluten-free pasta can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs without significantly altering the dish’s texture.
- → What mushrooms work best for this dish?
Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal due to their mild flavor and tender texture when sautéed.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker if needed?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce or add a small amount of reserved pasta water gradually to adjust consistency.
- → Is it possible to prepare this without cream?
Using a plant-based cream alternative or blending silken tofu can provide creaminess while accommodating dairy-free preferences.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor best?
Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme blend well, lending depth and fragrance to the creamy sauce.