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
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
Instructions
- Prepare penne pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
- Gently toast walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat for 5 minutes until aromatic and lightly golden, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Create walnut pesto by blending toasted walnuts with remaining pesto ingredients in a food processor until reaching a smooth, slightly textured consistency.
- 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.
- Introduce cooked penne into the mushroom-filled skillet, gently tossing to incorporate flavors and ensure even coating.
- Season the pasta mixture with freshly grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley to enhance overall taste profile.
- 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