Description
Creamy Penne Rosa is a comforting Italian-inspired vegetarian pasta dish featuring al dente penne tossed in a luscious tomato cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. The addition of garlic and red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick, making it a perfect flavorful weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or 2 1/2 cups homemade tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 zucchini, halved and sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse the oil and awaken the spices.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms and zucchini to the skillet, cooking them for 5 to 6 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Then stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it thoroughly to coat each piece with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the Creamy Penne Rosa warm, garnished with fresh chopped basil or parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired, for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- To add protein, stir in cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or plant-based sausage alongside the vegetables.
- For a vegan-friendly version, substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
