Recipe: Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto
Ingredients:
- 300g penne pasta
- 250g mushrooms (sliced, any variety like button, cremini, or shiitake)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes for garnish
Instructions:
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Walnut Pesto:**
- In a food processor, combine toasted walnuts, garlic, basil leaves, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- While pulsing, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Cook the Mushrooms:**
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they are golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Combine Everything:**
- In the skillet with the cooked mushrooms, add the cooked penne pasta.
- Pour the walnut pesto over the pasta and mushrooms.
- Toss everything together gently until well combined and heated through.
5. **Serve:**
- Divide the mushroom penne with walnut pesto among plates.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Benefits of Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto
1. **Nutritional Benefits:**
- **Mushrooms** are low in calories but rich in nutrients like vitamins (B vitamins, vitamin D), minerals (selenium, potassium), and antioxidants.
- **Walnuts** are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can help in managing cholesterol levels and promoting heart health.
- **Basil** contributes vitamins A, K, and C, along with essential minerals like manganese and magnesium.
2. **Flavor and Texture:**
- The combination of mushrooms and walnut pesto provides a rich, earthy flavor with a hint of nuttiness from the walnuts and a fresh herbaceous note from the basil.
3. **Versatility and Ease of Preparation:**
- This dish is easy to prepare and can be customized with different mushroom varieties or additional vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
4. **Satisfaction and Comfort:**
- Pasta dishes like this are comforting and satisfying, making them a great option for a comforting meal that's still nutritious.
Overall, Mushroom Penne with Walnut Pesto is not only a delightful meal but also packs a nutritional punch with its combination of mushrooms, walnuts, and basil, offering a balance of flavors and textures that appeal to many tastes.
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