Penne with Gorgonzola, Mushrooms (Porcini ) and Pancetta

Brown the pancetta then add some garlic and sauté for a few minutes before adding the mushrooms

Let it cook down for about 7mins,

Add the Gorgonzola cheese and a bit of milk to make it creamier.

Let the sauce simmer until a desired thickness

Add black pepper and then the pasta.

Notes:

Ingredients and Flavors:

This recipe combines rich and savory flavors with the salty pancetta, earthy mushrooms (specifically porcini for a robust taste), pungent Gorgonzola cheese, and aromatic garlic.
The combination of these ingredients creates a hearty and flavorful pasta dish.

Cooking Technique:

Start by browning the pancetta until it’s crispy, which adds a delicious crunch and smoky flavor to the dish.
Adding garlic after the pancetta helps infuse the oil with garlic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.

Mushroom Preparation:

Sautéing the mushrooms after the garlic allows them to absorb the flavors of the pancetta and garlic. Cook them until they’re tender and have released their moisture, which intensifies their umami flavor.

Creamy Sauce:

Incorporating Gorgonzola cheese and milk creates a creamy and indulgent sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Simmering the sauce helps to meld the flavors together and allows the sauce to thicken to the desired consistency.

Seasoning:

The addition of black pepper adds a nice contrast and complements the richness of the dish. Adjust the amount of pepper to suit your taste preferences.

Assembly:

Tossing the cooked pasta in the creamy Gorgonzola-mushroom sauce ensures that each strand of pasta is coated with flavor.
Serve the dish immediately to enjoy it at its best, garnished with additional black pepper or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Customizations:

Feel free to customize this dish by using different types of mushrooms based on availability or preference.
You can also adjust the amount of Gorgonzola cheese and milk to achieve your preferred level of creaminess in the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions:

Serve this pasta dish with a side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.
It pairs well with a glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of mushrooms for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a variety of mushrooms based on your preference. Porcini mushrooms have a robust flavor, but you can also use cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms.

What can I substitute for Gorgonzola cheese if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have Gorgonzola, you can substitute it with other creamy blue cheeses like Roquefort or Danish blue cheese.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the pancetta to make this dish vegetarian. Simply start by sautéing the garlic with olive oil or butter before adding the mushrooms.

How do I adjust the sauce thickness?

If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more milk or pasta cooking water to thin it out.

To thicken the sauce, simmer it for longer until it reaches the desired consistency.

Is the amount of black pepper adjustable?

Yes, adjust the amount of black pepper to your taste preference.

You can add more or less depending on how spicy you like your dish.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle (bowtie pasta), or rigatoni for this recipe.

Choose a shape that will hold the creamy sauce well.

How do I prevent the Gorgonzola from becoming too overpowering?

Use a moderate amount of Gorgonzola and taste the sauce as you go.

Add more cheese gradually until you achieve the desired level of creaminess and flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

What can I serve as a side dish with this pasta?

This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture if needed.