Penne with Sautéed Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, comforting pasta dish where al dente penne is coated in a velvety sauce made with earthy mushrooms, aromatic white wine, and a touch of cream. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes blends penne pasta, olive oil, large onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 7-8 minutes until golden and liquid has evaporated.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 tsp dried thyme, then simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add drained penne pasta to the skillet with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly, adding more pasta water if needed for desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Penne with Sautéed Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Penne with Sautéed Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Penne with Sautéed Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce?

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 Penne with Sautéed Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce 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 Penne with Sautéed Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce?

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.

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