Healthy Family: Mushroom and Herb Penne

Serves 6.

Note: Dried porcinis, along with fresh cremini and shiitake mushrooms make for a deeply flavored sauce. A splash of cream gives it a velvety texture without an "over-the-top" richness. If you prefer to avoid wine in this dish, you could substitute chicken or vegetable broth. From Meredith Deeds.

• 1/2 oz. dried porcini mushrooms

• 1 lb. whole wheat penne

• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided

• 1 tbsp. olive oil, divided

• 5 oz. sliced shiitake mushrooms, divided

• 1/3 c. finely chopped shallots

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tsp. minced fresh thyme

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

• 1/3 c. heavy whipping cream

• 1/4 c. grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

• 3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley, plus garnish

Directions

Soak dried mushrooms in 1/2 cup of hot water until softened, about 20 minutes, swishing around occasionally to dislodge any sand. Remove the mushrooms, carefully strain the soaking liquid through a paper coffee filter to remove any sand, and reserve the liquid. Slice the mushrooms thinly, and set aside.

While the pasta is cooking, heat half of the butter and half of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the shiitake and cremini mushrooms, and sauté until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining butter, oil and mushrooms. Transfer last batch of mushrooms to a plate and reduce the heat to medium.

Add the shallots and sauté for a minute. Add the garlic, thyme, salt and pepper and continue to sauté for another minute. Add both the reserved cooked fresh mushrooms and soaked dried mushrooms and wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid is almost evaporated, stirring occasionally. Add the cream and cook for another 2 minutes or until the mixture has thickened slightly.

Add the cooked pasta, cheese and parsley, tossing gently to coat. If the pasta seems a little dry, drizzle in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Divide among 6 warm serving plates and garnish with minced parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories400Fat12 gSodium580 mg

Protein15 gCholesterol26 mgDietary fiber7 g