Portobello Penne Pasta Casserole

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 oz dried penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large Portobello mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or oregano for seasoning

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 30-40 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a pot of water to boil for pasta. Cook the penne until slightly underdone, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large casserole dish, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onions. Saute until softened.
4. Add the garlic and continue cooking for another minute.
5. Stir in the Portobello mushroom slices and cook until they start to release their juices.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture come to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir well.
8. Add the cooked penne pasta to the casserole dish and mix well.
9. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
11. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano and serve hot.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: about 350-400 per serving (depending on added seasonings)
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 12-15g

Dish Characteristics:

• A rich and creamy pasta casserole with a hearty mushroom flavor.
• The Portobello mushrooms add a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
• This dish is hearty enough for a main course and can be served as a vegetarian option or paired with protein of choice.

User Comments:

• "The Portobello mushrooms give this pasta casserole a unique and delicious flavor."
• "The dish is rich and creamy, perfect for a cold winter night."
• "I added some cooked chicken sausage to make it a complete meal, turned out great!"
• "Easy to follow recipe, even for beginners."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh mushrooms for best flavor. If canned or dried mushrooms are used, their flavor may not be as intense.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste. Start with smaller amounts of salt and pepper, then add more if needed.
• If desired, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or olives for more texture and flavor.