Description
A creamy, comforting penne pasta tossed in a rich crème fraîche and Parmesan sauce, loaded with earthy chestnut mushrooms, tender shallots, fresh garlic, and vibrant spinach with a hint of nutmeg for depth.
Ingredients
Pasta & Base
2 tbsp olive oil
200 g penne pasta
Aromatics & Mushrooms
2 banana shallots, finely sliced
1 large garlic clove, finely sliced
250 g chestnut mushrooms, finely sliced
Greens & Cream Sauce
100 g baby spinach, washed
100 g crème fraîche
¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing
40 g Parmesan, grated (use vegetarian if needed)
Instructions
-
Boil Pasta
Cook penne in heavily salted water until al dente. Reserve 2 tbsp of pasta water, then drain. -
Sauté Shallots
Heat olive oil in a medium non-stick pan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for ~5 min until softened. -
Add Garlic & Mushrooms
Stir in garlic, cook 1 min, then add mushrooms. Cook for 10–12 min until golden and their liquid evaporates. -
Wilt Spinach
Add spinach and cook ~2 min until just wilted. -
Create Cream Sauce
Turn heat up slightly. Stir in crème fraîche, 2 tbsp pasta water, half the Parmesan, and nutmeg. Blend into a smooth sauce. -
Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add drained penne and toss until coated. Add more pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper. -
Serve
Divide into bowls, top with remaining Parmesan and extra pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Golden mushrooms: Cook without crowding the pan to avoid steaming and to enhance umami flavor.
Use pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to pasta.
Nutmeg adds depth: A tiny pinch enhances creaminess without being noticeable.
Vegetarian tweak: Use veggie Parmesan if strict vegetarian; swap crème fraîche for vegan alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop sauté & simmer
- Cuisine: Italian‑inspired comfort food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 235 g
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 706 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: creme fraiche mushroom pasta, chestnut mushrooms, penne pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy veggie pasta