Heavenly Mushroom Penne Delight
Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of our Heavenly Mushroom Penne Delight. This delectable one-dish meal combines al dente penne pasta with sautéed fresh mushrooms, vibrant diced tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all tossed together for a comforting and satisfying experience. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Top it off with crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of richness that makes each bite utterly blissful. Share this delight with loved ones and experience a taste of culinary heaven!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked penne
6 ounces (dry)
fresh mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sauteing)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (dry)
crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup (for garnishing)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
2. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced fresh mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender and golden brown.
3
3. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and dried basil into the skillet with the mushrooms. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld together.
4
4. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the flavorful mixture.
5
5. Finally, fold in the crumbled feta cheese and cook for another minute or until the cheese begins to melt slightly and everything is heated through.
6
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional feta or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Mushroom Penne Delight?
It is a creamy, savory one-dish meal featuring penne pasta, sautéed mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How much penne pasta do I need?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
You should use 1/2 lb of fresh mushrooms, sliced.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes to help create the sauce.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms in olive oil for about 5 minutes until they are tender and golden brown.
When do I add the feta cheese?
Fold in the crumbled feta cheese at the final step and cook for about one minute until it begins to melt slightly.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While penne is recommended, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini or bow ties.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the mushrooms.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and an easy recipe, perfect for weeknights.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried basil, you can substitute fresh basil for a more vibrant flavor.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
Cook the penne according to the package instructions until it is al dente, meaning firm to the bite.
What size can of tomatoes is required?
Use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the recipe is savory and aromatic but not spicy.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you could add spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: penne, mushrooms, olive oil, diced tomatoes, dried basil, and feta cheese.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is designed to be a satisfying one-dish comfort meal.
How should I serve the Heavenly Mushroom Penne Delight?
Serve it immediately, garnished with additional feta or fresh basil if desired.
Can I prepare the mushrooms in advance?
Yes, you can slice the mushrooms ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is creamy and savory, with the slight melting of the feta providing a rich consistency.
Can I use frozen mushrooms?
Fresh mushrooms are recommended for the best texture, but frozen could be used if thawed and drained.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free because it uses standard penne, but it can be made gluten-free by using GF pasta.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original list, adding minced garlic while sautéing mushrooms would enhance the aromatic profile.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Toss the pasta immediately with the mushroom and tomato mixture after draining.
What if I don't have feta cheese?
You can substitute it with goat cheese or grated parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well and can be reheated easily for lunch the next day.
What makes this dish 'Heavenly'?
The combination of savory mushrooms, sweet tomatoes, and tangy feta creates a blissful culinary experience.
Can I add protein like chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken or shrimp can be added at the same time as the pasta for a non-vegetarian version.