Penne Pasta with Porcini Mushrooms (25 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

This delightful dish combines al dente penne pasta with a velvety white cream sauce infused with the earthy flavors of porcini mushrooms.

The rich and luscious sauce coats each penne noodle, creating a delicious blend of textures and flavors.

The porcini mushrooms add a unique depth to the dish, bringing an umami essence that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive in! 

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese + additional for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, place the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes until they become soft and rehydrated. Drain the mushrooms and roughly chop them.
  3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped porcini mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to release their flavors.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another minute until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat it evenly with the white cream sauce.
  8. Serve the penne pasta with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs for garnish and plenty of extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

To perfect this recipe, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors of the white cream sauce.

You can also customize the dish by adding other ingredients such as sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or grilled chicken for additional depth and variety.

Pair this indulgent penne pasta with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 97mg

Pair this with...

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Begin with some ripe tomatoes and slice them into wedges. Take a cucumber and cut it into thin rounds. Mix them together in a bowl. Add a bit of olive oil and a splash of vinegar—red or white wine vinegar works best. Season with some salt and pepper to taste. If you've got some basil or dill on hand, you can chop that up and throw it in too.

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

Start by selecting some plump, ripe tomatoes. Slice off the tops and scoop out a bit of the insides, making a small well in each. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish. Now, choose your favorite cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or even Parmesan all work wonderfully. Generously top each tomato with your cheese of choice. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Allow them to cool for a moment before serving and top with fresh herbs if desired.

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Pork and Beef Barbecue Meatballs (30 Minutes)

Baked Mac and Cheese

Coconut Cashew Chicken Fingers (40 Minutes)

Pesto Chicken Salad (30 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!