Fried Penne / Pennette in Padella

SERVES 6 TO 8 FIRST-COURSE SERVINGS

Pennette is a type of macaroni that resembles small quill pens. They are either ridged (pennette rigate) or smooth, and vary in length. For this dish, a specialty of Tre Vaselle, a charming hotel and cooking school nestled among the Lungarotti vineyards of Torgiano, the pennette are no more than ¼-inch long. The method of browning the pasta first makes an unusual, but hearty dish.

Ingredients

  • ½ ounce dried porcini mushrooms
  • 5½ tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 pound pennette rigate
  • 6 tablespoons brandy
  • 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3½ cups hot chicken broth
  • 6 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • Fine sea salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • INGREDIENTS

Directions

  1. Place the porcini mushrooms in a small bowl, cover with cold water, and soak for about 30 minutes or until they are soft. Drain the porcini, dice them, and set aside. Reserve the liquid.
  2. In a skillet at least 14 inches wide and 2 inches deep, heat 3½ tablespoons olive oil until hot. Add the pennette and brown quickly, about 7 or 8 minutes, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon. Be careful not to burn them. They should look unevenly toasted. Add the brandy, continue to stir, and let the alcohol evaporate. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
  3. In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, add the porcini and shiitake mushrooms, and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the parsley, sauté 1 minute more, and set aside.
  4. Return the skillet with the pennette to the heat. Add enough broth to almost cover them, plus ½ cup reserved soaking liquid. Stir the mixture well, bring to a boil, cover the pan, lower the heat, and cook for 6 or 7 minutes, stirring often. The pennette should be cooked only until very al dente, almost crunchy.
  5. Uncover the pan, raise the heat, and let the remaining liquid almost totally evaporate. Add the mushroom and parsley mixture, combining well, then add the cream and cheese, and continue to stir and cook for 1 minute. Add the salt and pepper, mix well, and serve immediately.
  6. Note: Use the smallest penne you can find; you probably won't be able to find the tiny variety that the recipe traditionally uses.

This recipe was featured on Season 4 - Episode 401.

Print This Recipe

Comments

MaryAnn

this recipe is very delicious. It is own of my families favorite. I have served this to guests and they cannot believe how good it tastes and it is so easy. My son even asked for it one year as his birthday dinner.

Maggie

We love this recipe. Creamy, mushroom-y, cheesy pasta with a loaf of warm crusty bread and you’re in pasta heaven. Try it just as written. You’ll love it, too.

Joe Hutter

This recipe sounds great. I plan on trying it ASAP. Thank you Maryanne, I always enjoy the show.

Diane

Can’t wait to try this recipe

Denis Cox

I want to learn cooking lessons using web apps. I recently found a cool resource to help you find topical essays on any topic. You can take a look here. It is a popular site for students and professionals looking for information.

Leave a comment

Your comment will be revised by the site if needed.