Penne Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream

Ingredients

• 1 Shallot
• 6 oz Cremini Mushrooms
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• ¼ tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 tsp. Vegetable Base
• 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
• 1 ¾ oz Julienned Sun-Dried
• Tomatoes
• 8 oz Penne Pasta
• 4 fl. oz. Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1 oz Shaved Parmesan
• 2 oz Baby Spinach
• Olive Oil
• Salt Pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook Within: Be sure to gently stir pasta often after adding to pan to prevent Don’t worry if there are browned bits on bottom of pan after cooking mushrooms. Those bits are packed with flavor and will be incorporated into sauce. If cremini mushrooms remind you of smaller portobellos, that’s exactly what they are. When allowed to fully mature, creminis become

2. 2

   Peel and mince shallot. Cut mushrooms into ¼”: slices. Mince garlic.

3. 3

   Finish the Pasta: Once pasta is tender, add cream and increase heat to medium-high. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium. Do not boil, as cream sauces can break during boiling. Simmer until sightly thickened, 3 minutes. Season with ½ tsp. salt.

4. 4

   Cook the Mushrooms: olive oil. Add shallot and mushrooms to hot pan and cook, stirring often, until browned and tender, 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes (to taste) and cook 1 minute. Season with ½ tsp. salt and a pinch of pepper and transfer to a plate. Reserve pan; no need to wipe clean.

5. 5

   Add the Spinach and Parmesan: Return mushrooms and shallots to pan and add Parmesan (reserve a pinch for garnish) and spinach. Stir gently, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until spinach just begins to wilt, 1 minute.

6. 6

   Start the Pasta: Return pan used to cook mushrooms to high heat.

7. 7

   Add 3½ cups water, vegetable base, tomato paste,: sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta to hot pan. Pasta should be covered by liquid. Add more water if needed. Stir to incorporate ingredients, bring to a simmer, and reduce heat to medium to maintain simmer. Cook, stirring often, until pasta is al dente, 12-15 minutes. There should be about 1 cup of liquid remaining in pan.

8. 8

   Plate the Dish: Place a serving of pasta on a plate or in a shallow bowl, garnish with remaining Parmesan, and serve. way when it comes to red pepper flakes. Add a pinch at first, taste, and add more if desired. Ƀ After adding cream, make sure not to let sauce boil. Cream sauces can break during boiling. twice. Most is added to pasta, and a pinch garnishes dish. the recipe before you start–we promise it will be time