This Mushroom Penne Pasta tastes like a restaurant dish but is simple enough for a weeknight. Sweet squash, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and creamy Crème Fraîche make it bright, cozy, and comforting.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
We all love a good pasta recipe, but this one is truly special. Here's why:
- Warm and Comforting: This pasta is filled with warm and comforting flavors that are perfect for the fall and winter months, just like this Chicken Ragu Pasta.
- Versatile: It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or alongside your favorite protein.
- Healthy: It's a healthy pasta dish that's packed with butternut squash and mushrooms.
- Easy to Make: It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require any complicated cooking techniques. Our One Pan Vegetable Pasta is another easy yet filling dish.
- A Winner for Any Occasion: Whether you're expecting company or just want to surprise your loved ones, this dish is a winner.
Key Ingredients
- Penne Pasta – We use Barilla Penne Pasta for this recipe. It's a classic pasta shape that holds the sauce well.
- Shiitake Mushrooms – These mushrooms have a robust, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the butternut squash.
- Vegetables – Butternut squash adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the dish, while garlic and onion provide aromatic undertones.
- Vegetables Broth – We use vegetable broth for its light, savory flavor, which helps to cook the vegetables and infuse the dish with a delicious, umami-rich base.
- Crème Fraîche – This ingredient adds a touch of creaminess and tang to the dish, elevating its overall flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese (Optional) – A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, nutty kick that takes this dish to the next level.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Pasta: You can use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Butternut Squash: We love the sweetness that butternut squash adds to this dish, but feel free to substitute it with pumpkin or sweet potato.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: If you can't find shiitake mushrooms, you can use any other type of mushroom of your choice. Porcini or portobello mushrooms would work great in this recipe.
- Vegetables: Try adding other fall vegetables to the mix, like Brussels sprouts or kale.
How to Make Mushroom Penne Pasta
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roast butternut squash on a baking sheet with salt, pepper, and olive oil for 40 minutes until tender.
Step 2: Puree squash in a mixer with 2 ladles of vegetable broth until smooth, adding more if needed.
Step 3: Cook penne in salted boiling water for 10-15 minutes, drain, and set aside.
Step 4: In a saucepan, sauté onion in oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
Step 5: Add shiitake mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, then add sage and cook 2-3 more minutes.
Step 6: Stir in Crème Fraîche and butternut squash sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Add cooked penne, mix until coated. Serve immediately with Parmesan if desired.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
What to Serve with Mushroom Penne Pasta
Vegetables
- If you're a fan of greens, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a refreshing accompaniment to the hearty mushroom penne.
- For an extra serving of veggies, try roasting some asparagus, or a crunchy Broccoli Mushroom Salad. They'll be done at the same time and make a great addition to your meal.
Bread
- Blue Cheese Bread is a great pasta side dish. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from your pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend using shiitake and oyster mushrooms for this recipe. Both of these varieties have a rich, meaty flavor and a satisfying texture that complements the penne pasta and butternut squash sauce. However, you can use any type of mushrooms you like or have on hand.
If your butternut squash sauce is too thick, you can simply thin it out with a bit more vegetable broth or water. Add a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to reheat it gently to preserve the flavors.
More Recipes You'll Enjoy
- Vegan Lemon Pasta - This vegan lemon pasta is incredibly easy to make, and you only need 5 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) to get the most delicious pasta.
- Tuna Pasta Salad - This refreshing and satisfying Tuna Pasta Salad is a family-friendly recipe that's perfect for those warm summer days when you want a quick, delicious meal without heating up the kitchen.
- Vegan Pumpkin Pasta - This Pumpkin pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the savory taste of pumpkin puree and the comfort of cooked pasta.
- Truffle Pasta - Truffle pasta is a classic Italian dish that exudes elegance and taste with every bite.
Recipe
Shiitake Penne With Butternut Squash Creamy Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta I used Barilla Penne pasta
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper to taste
- 12 oz shiitake mushrooms stems removed and mushrooms thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion finely minced
- 15 oz vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons Crème fraîche
- 4 tablespoons sage leaves long leaves cut lengthwise
- Parmesan cheese optional, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Place butternut squash on a parchment lined baking sheet, season with salt and pepper and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bake for 40 minutes or until tender.
- Transfer butternut squash into a bowl of standing mixer, add 2 ladles of vegetable broth and process until smooth. Add more broth if needed.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add Penne and cook until ready, about 10-15 minutes. Drain, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, for 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
- Add shiitake mushrooms and cook until soft, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add sage and cook for additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in Crème Fraîche and butternut squash sauce.
- Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste.
- Add cooked Penne and stir until fully coated in butternut squash sauce.
- Serve immediately.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Eve Hunt says
This is one of the best recipes ever. It’s very tasteful and beautiful to play. Thanks for the recipe.
Mashka says
I love it!
Jillian says
I love both mushrooms and butternut squash. I can not wait to try this recipe. Your pictures are gorgeous!
Iryna says
Thank you so much Jillian!
Amanda says
This looks SO amazing! I just clicked the print button and am printing this recipe now! I'm so excited to make this! Thanks for post and beautiful post!!
Iryna says
Thank you for the kind words Amanda! You will love this recipe, it's really delicious!
Denise Wright says
I love this idea! I seem to make the same pasta dishes all the time and this would mix it up a bit for me and my family. And I never say no to a nice glass of wine! 😉
Iryna says
Thank you Denise!
Veronika says
Oh wow this looks amazing! There's nothing better than creamy pasta this time of the year, right?
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says
My husband loves mushrooms! This is a beautiful dish, and I can't wait to make it for him.
Iryna says
Thank you Kimberly!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
This looks so yummy! Can't wait to try it!
Iryna says
Thank you!
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
the pictures are stunning. your penne looks creamy and full of flavor. I like shintake mushrooms you use as vegan version for this pasta.
Iryna says
Thank you Citra! This Penne was really delicious.