Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil with 1/2 tsp salt.

Halve, peel and thinly slice the red onion. Thinly slice the portobello mushrooms.

Peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press).

When your pan of water is boiling, add the penne and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins.

Once cooked, drain in a colander and pop back into the pan. Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together. 

While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on high heat.

Once the oil is hot, fry the portobello and sliced mushrooms until browned, stirring occasionally, 5-6 mins. Season with salt and pepper.

Lower the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 6-8 mins. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 min. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook until evaporated, 1 min.

When the veg is cooked, stir in the creme fraiche, veg stock paste and the water for the sauce (see pantry for amount). Bring to the boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced, 4-5 mins.

Once the sauce is reduced, stir through the cooked penne and hard Italian style cheese until piping hot and melted, 1-2 mins.

Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Add a splash of water if it's a little thick.

Share your double mushroom penne between your bowls.

Enjoy!