Best Easy Pennette alla Boscaiola Recipe

Woodland-style pasta with mushrooms, sausage, and cream from the Italian countryside. This high protein mediterranean dish is a hearty family dinner with rustic, earthy character.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 595 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein #family dinner #rustic pasta
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • penne pasta 12 oz
  • Italian sausage (casings removed) 10 oz
  • cremini mushrooms (sliced) 8 oz
  • heavy cream 1 cup
  • onion (finely chopped) 1 cup
  • parmesan cheese (grated) 1 cup
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • garlic (minced) 2 cloves
  • fresh parsley (chopped) 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 61 g 41%
Protein 25 g 17%
Fat 29 g 42%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.

  2. 2

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and break it apart, browning fully (about 5 minutes) before transferring to a plate.

  3. 3

    Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and cook until softened and translucent, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, sautéing until mushrooms release moisture and begin turning golden.

  4. 4

    Return sausage to skillet, pour in heavy cream, and stir to combine. Adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer—do not allow cream to boil. Cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 4–5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, toss to coat evenly. Stir in parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Continue tossing over low heat until sauce clings tightly to the pasta, then serve piping hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Pennette alla Boscaiola is defined by earthy mushrooms and savory Italian sausage, which form the backbone of both flavor and rustic texture. The combination of creamy sauce and pasta brings everything together, but the mushrooms and sausage are essential for that woodland character.
Q. How do I prevent overcooking the cream sauce?
When adding heavy cream to the skillet, be sure to reduce the heat and gently simmer rather than boil. High heat can cause the cream to separate or become oily. Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir frequently until the sauce thickens slightly, ensuring a smooth and luscious texture.
Q. What's the ideal texture for the pasta in Pennette alla Boscaiola?
The pasta should be cooked until just al dente, holding its shape but offering a tender bite. Since pasta finishes cooking in the sauce, draining it at the al dente stage allows it to absorb flavor without becoming mushy or sticky.
Q. How many calories and what's the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving contains about 595 kcal, with 25g protein (17%), 61g carbs (41%), and 29g fat (42%). This dish delivers a substantial amount of protein per serving, making it suitable for those seeking a satisfying, high-protein meal.
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