Penne with Basil Pesto and Cremini Mushrooms
Posted by Monica Puri Bangia | Under Entrées, Italian Cuisine, Vegetarian, kid friendly Sunday May 9, 2010
This is one my favorite, quick meals to make. I always have basil pesto on hand- either homemade or store bought. For this particular dish I had store bought pesto- which is perfectly fine to have- I know I am all about homemade but I always have the store bought kind in the fridge- to make a quick meal. It is all about having the convenience to make a healthy meal instead of ordering take out and eating unhealthy foods.
It was one of those very busy days and I needed to feed the familia and didn’t have any ideas…
I noticed cremini mushrooms in the fridge and immediately thought of pasta with pesto and mushrooms. It is a super quick meal- the time it takes to cut and saute the mushrooms, the pasta is almost done. All you have to do is put the whole thing together and you have a very delicious meal.
I served garlic bread with the pasta and a salad. Next time you have no time to make a meal- try penne with basil pesto and cremini mushrooms…
- 2 (10 ounces) packs cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and add the mushrooms. Saute on high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, till the mushrooms are golden brown. Add salt and turn the heat off.
- ¼ cup fresh or store bought basil pesto
- ½ pound cooked penne with ½ cup spare pasta water
Add the pesto, penne and the pasta water to the mushrooms. Stir well without turning the heat on. Check for seasonings and serve.
