Creamy Mushroom and Sausage Pasta

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) penne pasta 350g (12 oz) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 200g (7 oz) Italian sausage, casings removed 200g (7 oz) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 250g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced 250g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine (optional) 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 520 kcal / 2176 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
5. 5.
   Pour in the heavy cream, chicken or vegetable broth, and white wine (if using). Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until it is well coated with the creamy sauce.
8. 8.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the pasta is heated through.
9. 9.
   Serve the Creamy Mushroom and Sausage Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before slicing them. You can use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing them under running water as mushrooms tend to absorb water and become soggy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition.
• To make it more indulgent, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Mushroom and Sausage Pasta as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It pairs well with a glass of red wine to complement the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and colorful ingredients.