Savory Sausage and Mushroom Penne in Zesty Mustard Cream Sauce
Warm up your dinner table with this delightful dish featuring al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich and zesty mustard cream sauce. The savory flavors of juicy sausages meld perfectly with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spring onions, creating a comforting yet sophisticated one-dish meal. Topped with fresh basil, this recipe promises a burst of flavor that elevates your winter dining experience. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
12 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
sausages
4 (casings removed or left whole and sliced after cooking)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
spring onions
2-3 stalks (sliced into 1-inch sections)
mushrooms
4-5 (thinly sliced)
coarse grain mustard
1.5 teaspoons (for flavor)
single cream
200 ml (for sauce)
salt
0.5 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
0.5 teaspoon (to taste)
parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (optional, for garnish)
basil leaves
2 tablespoons (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the sausage meat from their casings and shaping them into small meatballs. Alternatively, you can leave the sausages whole, cook them in a frying pan or grill until browned, and then slice them into bite-sized pieces. Set aside once cooked.
2
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
3
In a large, heavy-based skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and spring onions, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant.
4
Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender and golden brown, stirring occasionally.
5
Introduce the cooked sausage meat or sliced sausages to the skillet, followed by the coarse grain mustard and single cream. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken and reduce slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the penne with the mustard cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
7
If using, stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sausage and Mushroom Penne in Zesty Mustard Cream Sauce?
It is a comforting pasta dish featuring penne, sausages, and mushrooms in a rich, zesty mustard-infused cream sauce.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 12 ounces of penne pasta, cooked until al dente.
How many sausages do I need?
You will need 4 sausages for this dish.
How should I prepare the sausages?
You can either remove the meat from the casings to form small meatballs or cook them whole and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of mustard is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of coarse grain mustard to provide its signature zesty flavor.
What type of cream is used for the mustard sauce?
The recipe uses 200 ml of single cream to create the sauce base.
How many mushrooms are required?
You will need 4 to 5 mushrooms, which should be thinly sliced.
What aromatics are used in this dish?
The dish uses one minced garlic clove and 2-3 stalks of sliced spring onions.
How do I cook the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms in the skillet until they are tender and golden brown.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserving a small cup of pasta water allows you to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick when tossing with the penne.
What garnish is suggested for this pasta?
Fresh basil leaves are recommended for garnish to add flavor and color.
Is cheese included in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese can be stirred in at the end, though it is optional.
How long should I sauté the garlic and spring onions?
Sauté them in olive oil for about one minute until they become fragrant.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it immediately while hot, topped with fresh basil and optional parmesan.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 0.5 teaspoon of each, but you should season to your personal taste.
Can I make this as a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick dinner' and is designed to be a satisfying, efficient meal.
What season is this dish especially suited for?
The recipe is described as a comforting 'winter meal,' perfect for cozy nights.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including optional garnishes.
What is the first step of the preparation?
The first step is preparing the sausages by removing casings for meatballs or cooking them to be sliced.
How do I ensure the sauce has the right consistency?
Let the cream and mustard mixture simmer gently to thicken, and use reserved pasta water to adjust if it gets too thick.
Is this dish suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as a sophisticated dish that is perfect for impressing guests.
What oil is used for sautéing the ingredients?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for the sautéing process.
When do I add the cooked sausages back into the pan?
Add the sausages back to the skillet after the mushrooms are tender, just before adding the mustard and cream.
How should the spring onions be sliced?
The spring onions should be sliced into approximately 1-inch sections.
Can I use whole sausages instead of meatballs?
Yes, you can cook them whole in a frying pan or grill and then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal for easy serving.
What does 'al dente' mean for the penne?
It means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, which is the recommended texture for this recipe.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
The flavor profile is savory and earthy from the mushrooms and sausage, balanced with a zesty and rich mustard cream.
How do I incorporate the pasta with the sauce?
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the penne thoroughly.
What makes the mushrooms golden brown?
Sautéing them in the skillet with olive oil and stirring occasionally until they reach a golden brown color.