Mushroom Cream Penne
Penne pasta tossed in a velvety mushroom and herb sauce with a hint of garlic and parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, sliced white mushrooms, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz, sliced white mushrooms
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and tender. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper, stirring until melted. Add drained penne and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until sauce coats pasta evenly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mushroom Cream Penne take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mushroom Cream Penne?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mushroom Cream Penne?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mushroom Cream Penne for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Mushroom Cream Penne?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So satisfying with a side of garlic bread. Will make again this week.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made it for my wife’s birthday and she said it’s a new favorite.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for date night—creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make.
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