Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound dried penne
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 13 cup Cognac
  • 5 cups simmering beef stock
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste, if desired
  • 23 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup parsley leaves, chopped fine
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Method

  • In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of the olive oil over moderate heat.
  • Add the pasta and cook, stirring, until it begins to brown, about 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Remove the pasta and set aside.
  • Saute the onion in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet until soft but not brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Return the pasta to the skillet, stir in the Cognac and cook until the liquid is evaporated.
  • Add 2 cups of the beef stock and cook, stirring, until it is absorbed.
  • Add 2 more cups stock and, when it is almost absorbed, stir in the mushrooms.
  • Add the remaining stock 1/2 cup at a time and cook, stirring, until it is absorbed and the pasta is al dente.
  • Stir in the cream and salt and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and pepper.