One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Penne

Enjoy this effortless one-pot creamy mushroom penne. Featuring earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a velvety sauce, it's the ultimate low-cleanup comfort meal.

Ingredients

• 250 g penne pasta
• 200 g mushrooms
• 1 small red onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups milk and water mixture
• 1 cube bouillon
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• to taste parmesan cheese
• to taste black pepper
• optional chili sauce

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the spinach

   

   Take fresh spinach leaves and slice them into large, rough pieces on a cutting board. There is no need for precise cutting, as these will wilt down quickly once added to the pasta later.

   Tip: Keep the pieces large to maintain texture in the finished dish.
2. 2Slice the mushrooms

   

   Using a sharp knife, carefully slice your mushrooms on a wooden cutting board. You can slice them to your preferred thickness, keeping in mind they will shrink slightly when cooked.

   Tip: Wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth instead of washing them to keep them firm.
3. 3Tear the mushrooms

   

   Alternatively, use your hands to tear the mushrooms into smaller, rustic pieces. This method is quick and creates more surface area for better browning in the pan.

   Tip: Tearing can often lead to a better texture than slicing for certain mushroom varieties.
4. 4Slice the red onion

   

   Place the red onion on the cutting board and slice it into thin, uniform strips. These will soften beautifully when sautéed with the mushrooms.

   Tip: Thin slices ensure the onion incorporates evenly into the creamy pasta sauce.
5. 5Heat the pan

   

   Place a pan over medium heat and drizzle in a generous amount of olive oil. Ensure the oil coats the surface evenly before adding your aromatics.

   Tip: Wait for the oil to shimmer slightly before adding ingredients to ensure proper sautéing.
6. 6Sauté aromatics and mushrooms

   

   Add the prepared garlic, mushrooms, and sliced red onion to the hot pan. Sauté the mixture for about three minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms begin to soften.

   Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning and ensure even cooking.
7. 7Add the dry pasta

   

   Add your desired amount of dry penne directly into the pan with the sautéed garlic, mushrooms, and red onions. Stir everything together so the pasta mixes evenly with the vegetables.

   Tip: Penne or farfalle are excellent choices for this one-pot method because they cook evenly when submerged in liquid.
8. 8Pour in the liquids

   

   Pour a mixture of milk and water into the pan, ensuring that the liquid completely covers all the ingredients. If you prefer a richer, creamier sauce, you can add a little heavy cream at this stage.

   Tip: It is crucial that the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid so it cooks thoroughly and evenly during the simmering phase.
9. 9Season the cooking liquid

   

   Drop a small bouillon cube into the pan to enhance the savory flavor of the liquid, along with a couple of bay leaves. Cover the pan and let everything cook on high heat for 15 to 18 minutes.

   Tip: If you dont enjoy the flavor of bay leaves, you can easily leave them out. Remember to check the pan occasionally to ensure the liquid hasnt evaporated too quickly.
10. 10Stir in the spinach

    

    Once the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce, turn the heat down to low. Add a small piece of butter and a handful of fresh spinach, then stir everything together gently until combined.

    Tip: Cook the spinach very briefly over low heat just until wilted. Overcooking it will cause the leaves to lose their vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
11. 11Garnish with cheese and pepper

    

    Finish the dish by generously seasoning it with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper. If you prefer a spicy kick, a dash of chili sauce makes a great addition.

    Tip: Since this is a one-pot meal designed for convenience, you can serve it straight from the pan to save on cleanup.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions