Description
Simple Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto is a comforting pasta dish made with tender penne, golden sautéed mushrooms, and a rich walnut based pesto. The flavors are earthy, buttery, and nutty, making this recipe ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It combines simple pantry ingredients with fresh produce for a satisfying and balanced meal that feels both cozy and elevated.
Ingredients
For the pasta
Eight ounces penne pasta
Four tablespoons butter
Sixteen ounces fresh mushrooms sliced
One quarter cup grated Cabot Alpine Cheddar or Tillamook Parmesan Style Shreds
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley chopped for topping
For the walnut pesto
One cup walnuts
One and a half cups packed spinach and basil
Half to three quarters cup shredded Cabot Sharp Cheddar or Tillamook Italian Style Blend
One quarter cup olive oil
One clove garlic
Juice of one lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until tender with a slight bite then drain and set aside
2. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over low heat stirring often until fragrant then let them cool slightly
3. Add the toasted walnuts greens cheese garlic lemon juice olive oil salt and pepper to a food processor and blend until mostly smooth
4. Melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium heat and add the sliced mushrooms cooking until deeply golden and tender
5. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper then add the cooked pasta and toss gently to combine
6. Stir in the grated cheese and a small splash of pasta water if needed for a smooth texture
7. Remove from heat and either fold the walnut pesto into the pasta or spoon it over each serving
8. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm
Notes
Use cremini or white button mushrooms for the best texture and mild earthy flavor
Toast the walnuts gently to avoid bitterness and enhance their natural nuttiness
Adjust lemon juice and salt in the pesto gradually to maintain balance
For a lighter dish reduce the cheese slightly while keeping the walnuts for richness
Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of water or olive oil
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American