Description
Penne Rosa is a creamy and flavorful Italian-American pasta dish featuring tender penne tossed in a rich tomato and cream sauce with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. This comforting and easy-to-make recipe combines sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes, creating an ultimate pasta experience perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Garnishes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and zucchini, cooking until tender and lightly browned, approximately 5 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to allow all flavors to blend perfectly.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach until it is just wilted, preserving its vibrant color and texture.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat each piece evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving to add a fragrant, fresh finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra protein.
- This pasta pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
