Delicious Penne Vodka With Fresh Mushrooms, Mozzarella, Olives,

BlondieItaliana's Note:

This is another one of my favorite "go to" simple meals. I threw this together for the first time over 10 years ago and it's been a constant ever since. It's hearty and rustic and is also great for a quickie vegetarian dish or during Lent. I've served this on Holidays as well. Goes great with a nice dinner salad and of course, a loaf of hot, crusty garlic bread! Oh, and a nice glass of Chianti for those who are interested.

• Total Time: 16 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 11 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 (8 ounce) package mushrooms (pre-sliced fresh mushrooms)
• 1 (14 ½ ounce) can diced tomatoes (drained very well)
• 1 (4 ounce) can olives (sliced olives in can, drained)
• 1 (24 ounce) jar vodka sauce (Bertolli brand preferred)
• 1 (1 lb) box penne (al dente, I use Barilla brand)
• 1 (8 ounce) container fresh mozzarella cheese (The Pearlini fresh mozzarella balls, they are pea size, see photos)
• 1 dash garlic powder (to taste)
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Boil water and cook penne. Also heat vodka sauce in medium sauce pot.
2. Meanwhile, sauté mushrooms over medium-low heat in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until lightly golden brown then set aside.
3. Drain tomatoes very well then sauté in remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and garlic powder to taste over medium heat until heated well through and remaining water cooks out, drain again in colander; set aside.
4. When pasta is cooked, drain well and return to pot. Add sauce, mushrooms and tomatoes, gently stir in olives and fresh mozzarella pearlini.
5. Transfer to large serving bowl and serve immediately.
6. ** Serve with grated parmesan cheese on hand AT TABLE, but not directly on pasta dish as it alters the final taste and it's just so delicious that it really doesn't need it.

Reviews

[Jane from Ohio]

This couldn't be easier and it is delicious. I loved the little mozzeralla balls. They made the dish look very great. Used 8 oz of fresh mushrooms as that is what I had. We had some leftover the next day and I just added a little olive oil and re heated in the microwave. The mozzarella balls melted but it was just as good. We did use some parmasean cheese to top it. Served it with a salad and garlic bread. Thanks for sharing

[Mom Mindy 66]

By far this is one of the most wonderful dishes I have ever eaten. The flavor was incredible. It was simple to make. I didn't find thos little mozzarella balls, but I cut up my fresh mozzarella from the deli into tiny chunks about the same size and the dish was the best thing I have ever eaten.

[Lainey6605]

This is just wonderful and easy to make. It is very flavorful and I love the mini-cheese balls added to this recipe. It is one I will make again. I made this recipe for the 2008 Spring Pick A Chef.