Description
Creamy Penne Rosa is a luscious, comforting pasta dish featuring tender penne tossed in a spicy marinara cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and baby spinach. This Italian-American main course is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a delightful balance of creamy, savory, and mildly spicy flavors, garnished with fresh basil.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute, ensuring the vegetables are evenly cooked.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the marinara sauce along with the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer without boiling.
- Toss Pasta and Finish: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese used is vegetarian-friendly (some Parmesan contains animal rennet).
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based sausage for extra protein and variation.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
