Savory Portabella Mushroom Penne
Indulge in a romantic yet effortless dinner with this delectable Savory Portabella Mushroom Penne. Featuring earthy portabella mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and flavorful tomatoes, this pasta dish is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes. Paired with a generous sprinkle of high-quality grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is crafted to impress with its sophisticated flavors, perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or a cozy weekend dinner. Remember to use fresh ingredients and serve with a side of crusty bread for the ultimate experience.
2
Servings
310
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon (lite or virgin)
Portabella Mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
Canned Italian Tomatoes
1 cup (chopped and drained, reserve liquid)
Black Olives
8 (pitted and cut in half)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon (or less to taste)
Cooked Penne Pasta
2 cups (or other types of pasta)
Parmesan Cheese
4 teaspoons (freshly grated)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Fresh Basil Leaves
for garnish
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil before adding the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
2
Next, introduce the sliced portabella mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the chopped canned tomatoes along with the reserved liquid. Stir well to combine, then cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4
After 15 minutes, stir in the halved black olives and crushed red pepper flakes, adjusting the spice level as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
In a large serving bowl, combine the hot cooked penne pasta with the mushroom sauce. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is coated evenly.
6
Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful dish!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
40g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Portabella Mushroom Penne?
It is a sophisticated pasta dish featuring earthy portabella mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and flavorful tomatoes, perfect for romantic dinners.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What are the primary ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from portabella mushrooms, canned Italian tomatoes, garlic, onions, and black olives.
How many calories are in one serving of Savory Portabella Mushroom Penne?
Each serving contains approximately 310 calories.
Can I substitute the portabella mushrooms?
Yes, you can use other mushrooms like cremini or white button mushrooms, though portabellas offer a meatier texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients and Parmesan cheese.
How do I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternative.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for penne, but other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli also work well to hold the sauce.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 9 grams of protein per serving.
Is this pasta dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How long does it take to simmer the sauce?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What should I do with the tomato liquid?
You should reserve the liquid from the canned tomatoes and add it to the skillet along with the chopped tomatoes.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the finished dish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of aromatic flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to add a little water or vegetable broth to compensate for the missing canned liquid.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
Is this recipe good for special occasions?
Yes, its sophisticated flavors make it ideal for Valentine’s Day or a cozy weekend dinner.
What side dish pairs well with this penne?
A side of crusty bread is highly recommended to complement the sauce.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 minced cloves of garlic.
Can I skip the black olives?
Yes, if you are not a fan of olives, you can omit them without ruining the dish.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 40 grams of carbohydrates.
What type of olive oil should I use?
The recipe suggests using lite or virgin olive oil.
Should the pasta be cooked before starting the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of hot cooked penne, so it is best to prepare the pasta while the sauce simmers.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until the onions are translucent.
Can I use pre-ground pepper?
Yes, though fresh-cracked pepper often provides a more vibrant flavor.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
The portabella mushrooms should be cleaned and sliced before being added to the skillet.
Is there a specific way to cut the olives?
The olives should be pitted and cut in half.
What is the serving size?
The recipe provides two servings, with each serving being approximately half of the final prepared volume.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve four people.
How should I serve the dish?
Combine the hot penne with the sauce in a large bowl, toss gently, and serve immediately.