Cozy Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto Recipe for Dreamy Dinners

Creamy, delightful simple mushroom penne with walnut pesto captures the essence of comfort cooking in just one pan.

Earthy mushrooms bring depth to this quick weeknight meal.

Nutty walnuts crushed into a vibrant green sauce add unexpected complexity.

Home cooks can whip up this delectable dish faster than ordering takeout.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of rustic flavors.

Each bite promises a delicate balance between rich mushrooms and sharp pesto notes.

What could be more satisfying than a plate of pasta that feels both luxurious and effortless?

You won’t want to miss experiencing this incredible culinary adventure.

Reasons You’ll Crave Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto

• Create Nutty Comfort: A quick, satisfying pasta dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal.
• Customize with Ease: Mix and match mushroom varieties or swap walnuts for different nuts to suit your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Professional-level flavor achieved through simple techniques like toasting nuts and browning mushrooms perfectly.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from walnuts, earthy mushrooms, and parmesan, delivering a balanced and delicious dinner solution.

Everything Inside Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto

• Penne Pasta: A classic Italian pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the walnut pesto and mushroom sauce.
• Mushrooms: Provide a rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture to the dish.
• Walnuts: The key component of the pesto, offering a nutty and robust taste.

• Walnuts, Fresh Parsley, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese: These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and creamy walnut pesto with a bright, herbaceous note.
• Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste and help blend the pesto ingredients.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the mushrooms to a deep golden brown color.
• Fresh Parsley: A garnish that provides a fresh, green finish to the pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.

How to Make Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Toast Nutty Base

Place walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat. Gently toast the nuts, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and golden brown, which takes about 5 minutes.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 3: Blend Pesto Magic

• Toasted walnuts
• Fresh basil leaves
• Garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pulse the ingredients until the mixture becomes a smooth, vibrant green sauce.

Step 4: Sauté Mushroom Delight

Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they develop a deep golden-brown color and release their moisture, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Add the cooked penne to the mushroom-filled skillet. Gently toss the pasta to coat with the mushroom juices.

• Grated Parmesan
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Decide how to incorporate the walnut pesto: Either top each serving with a generous spoonful or stir the pesto directly into the pasta before plating. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, nutty flavors.

Get It Just Right: Tips for Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto

• Toast walnuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching the pan closely during the 5-minute process.
• Choose fresh, firm mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for the best texture and deepest golden-brown color when sautéing.
• Experiment with different herbs like basil or chives if parsley isn't available, keeping the fresh green element in the dish.
• Create a vegan version by substituting butter with olive oil and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar umami flavor.
• Store leftover walnut pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, using it as a versatile sauce for other dishes.

Flavor Spins for Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto

• Spicy Mushroom Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mushrooms while sautéing for a zesty heat boost.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle some dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegan Friendly: Swap butter with olive oil, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and ensure the pesto is made with plant-based ingredients.
• Protein Power: Mix in grilled chicken strips or sautéed tofu cubes to transform the pasta into a more substantial meal.

What Pairs Well with Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto

• Savor Earthy Wine Companion: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle woodland notes that complement the mushroom's rich, deep flavors and enhance the nutty walnut pesto undertones.
• Craft Herbal White Alternative: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with grassy, herbal characteristics that beautifully balance the pasta's creamy texture and cut through the buttery mushroom profile.
• Elevate Nutty Beer Pairing: Grab a Belgian-style wheat beer or a mild amber ale with subtle nutty undertones that harmonize perfectly with the toasted walnuts and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's richness.

Storage Guide for Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep pesto separate to prevent sogginess and maintain its fresh texture.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, separating pesto and pasta. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing mushrooms as they can become watery and lose texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add fresh Parmesan or parsley after reheating for extra flavor.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Quick FAQs for Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto

• How do I know when the mushrooms are perfectly sautéed?

Look for deep golden brown color and a slightly crispy texture. The mushrooms should release their moisture and develop a rich, caramelized appearance, which typically takes 8-10 minutes over medium heat.

• Can I make the walnut pesto ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the walnut pesto up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop and become more intense as it sits.

• What if I don't have a food processor for the pesto?

You can use a blender or even chop ingredients finely and mix by hand. The texture might be slightly chunkier, but it will still taste delicious.

Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy mushroom penne with walnut pesto elevates comfort pasta to gourmet heights, blending earthy woodland flavors with rich, nutty undertones. Home chefs can savor this quick Mediterranean-inspired dish that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal cooking effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) fresh sliced mushrooms
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup (120 grams) walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) packed greens (spinach or basil)

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup (50–75 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, for topping
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare penne pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
2. Gently toast walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat for 5 minutes until aromatic and lightly golden, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Create walnut pesto by blending toasted walnuts with remaining pesto ingredients in a food processor until reaching a smooth, slightly textured consistency.
4. Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium heat, then add mushrooms. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, allowing mushrooms to develop a deep caramel-brown color and release their natural moisture.
5. Introduce cooked penne into the mushroom-filled skillet, gently tossing to incorporate flavors and ensure even coating.
6. Season the pasta mixture with freshly grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley to enhance overall taste profile.
7. Finish the dish by either drizzling walnut pesto generously over plated pasta or stirring the pesto directly into the skillet for a more integrated flavor experience.

Notes

• Toast walnuts carefully to prevent burning, watching them closely and stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and maximum flavor development.
• Experiment with different mushroom varieties like shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms to add complexity and depth to the dish’s overall taste profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute olive oil for butter and use a plant-based Parmesan to create a vegan-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing mushrooms to enhance their earthy flavor and create a more sophisticated sauce base.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg