Ingredients

1 lb penne
1 cup cremini mushroom , sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup sun-dried tomato ( I like to slice them into thick strips )
1 tablespoon mascarpone cheese
8 stalks asparagus , blanched and chopped ( diagonally )
salt and pepper , to taste
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese , grated ( freshly grated works & tastes the best )
1/2 cup walnuts , chopped
Penne Cremini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Walnuts is a creamy, decadent pasta dish enriched with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and nuts. This easy-to-prepare recipe is perfect for an indulgent meal with your loved ones. The creamy sauce wraps around each pasta piece, delivering a satisfying burst of flavor with each bite. The nutty flavor of freshly chopped walnuts adds a crunchy texture to the dish. The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is, allowing you to add other ingredients as per your liking to make it your own.

Instructions

1.Boil penne pasta in salted water till al dente, before draining. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2.In a large skillet, melt butter on medium heat before adding sliced mushrooms and sautéing until golden brown.
3.Add thick strips of sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for a minute more, stirring occasionally.
4.Add mascarpone cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese starts to melt.
5.Add chopped asparagus to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
6.Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil - allowing it to cook until the sauce thickens.
7.Add grated parmesan and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, allowing it to thicken.
8.Add the penne to the skillet, tossing and coating the pasta with the sauce. If needed, use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.
9.Stir in chopped walnuts and season with salt and pepper as per your liking.
10.Serve the pasta hot with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and a sprig of parsley for garnish.

PROS

The combination of nuts and mushrooms adds an earthy, nutty flavor to the pasta – complementing the creamy sauce perfectly.

The dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or even a fancy dinner party.

CONS

The dish contains heavy cream and cheese, making it high in fat and calories.

Moreover, the dish can be an acquired taste for mushroom haters.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Walnuts are high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and the risk of heart disease.
Mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – supporting the immune system and overall health.
The vitamin C content in asparagus helps make collagen – necessary for healthy skin, teeth, and cartilage.

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